For days, social media was buzzing with claims that Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was preparing to marry into European royalty. The speculation even named a former Austrian archduchess as his alleged bride.

But the Pakistan Peoples Party has now poured cold water on the reports.

Karachi Mayor and PPP leader Murtaza Wahab dismissed claims about Bilawal's engagement and wedding as “incorrect and unfounded” in a clarification posted on X late Saturday night.

The rumours had gained traction after reports claimed that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari had travelled to Liechtenstein to discuss and finalise arrangements for his 38-year-old son's wedding.

Rumours linked Bilawal to former Austrian Archduchess

Some of the reports identified Bilawal's alleged prospective bride as 26-year-old Gloria von Habsburg, a former Austrian archduchess and member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.

Gloria is the daughter of Archduke Karl of Austria and Francesca von Thyssen-Bornemisza. She is also the great-great-granddaughter of Karl I, the last reigning Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

The speculation went beyond claims of a possible match, with some reports suggesting that wedding preparations were already underway.

Pakistani Urdu daily Daily Ausaf also carried a report citing unspecified sources, claiming that President Zardari was on a private European tour in connection with the proposed marriage. The report was later deleted.