Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have welcomed their second child together, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Their baby girl, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, was born on 22 January at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Despite arriving earlier than expected, both mother and baby are doing well.
The official statement read: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12:57 pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of The Royal Family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”
The couple also shared the first photo of their newborn, taken by Edoardo. The image captures baby Athena with dark hair, wrapped in a pink blanket, wearing a white long-sleeved outfit, with her face partially hidden by her arm.
Beatrice, who was originally due to give birth in early spring, had been advised by doctors in December to avoid long-distance travel.
Edoardo, 41, expressed his joy in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi. We welcomed Baby Athena into our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect. We are all (including Wolfie and Sienna) already completely besotted with her.
“Our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena. A massive thank you from my wife and me to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time.”
Baby Athena joins her three-year-old sister, Sienna, and Edoardo’s eight-year-old son, Christopher Woolf (Wolfie), from his previous relationship with Dara Huang.
The Meaning Behind Baby Athena’s Name
Athena is a Greek-origin name, inspired by the ancient goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship. The name has been growing in popularity, with Lady Kitty Spencer—Prince William’s cousin—also choosing it for her daughter.
Despite being born into royalty, Athena does not hold an official royal title, as Edoardo did not receive one from the late Queen Elizabeth II when he married Beatrice in 2020.
