Princess Beatrice has welcomed her second child, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, Buckingham Palace announced. The new addition to the royal family arrived on January 22, 2025, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. The announcement has been met with delight from King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other royal family members, who have all expressed their joy over the news.
Beatrice, aged 36, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, originally expected to welcome their baby girl later this spring. According to reports, Beatrice had received medical advice restricting her travel during the latter stages of her pregnancy to avoid complications, especially due to the risk of premature birth.
Born at 12:57 p.m., baby Athena came weeks earlier than anticipated, but both mother and child are said to be healthy. Buckingham Palace released a statement saying, "Her Royal Highness and her daughter are healthy and doing well, and the family are enjoying spending time together with Athena's older siblings, Wolfie and Sienna." Wolfie is the couple's son from Edoardo’s previous relationship, making Athena the younger sister of their three-year-old daughter, Sienna.
Sharing the news via social media, Edoardo wrote, "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." This sentiment echoes the family’s excitement and loving nature, even as they navigate the challenges of being new parents once again.
Athena's full name carries significant meaning, with her middle name, Elizabeth, honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II. This gesture indicates the continuity of royal traditions and the family's connection to their late matriarch. Athena is also the fourteenth great-grandchild of the late queen, situationally placing her within the broader narrative of the royal lineage.
The royal family has historically shared their milestones publicly, and Princess Beatrice's announcement follows suit. This is the first child born to Beatrice and Edoardo since their private wedding ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Windsor back in July 2020. Their wedding, attended by close family amid the pandemic lockdown, marked the beginning of their family life together.
The couple has shown gratitude to the medical staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care during this special time, following similar expressions of thanks made after Sienna’s birth there. The hospital staff has become part of the family’s joy as they once again celebrate the arrival of another child.
Princess Beatrice, who is ninth in line for the British throne, has always maintained privacy concerning her family matters. A recent photo shared on social media highlights the newborn with her small hand resting softly over her face, symbolizing the family's desire to respect Athena’s privacy. This dedication to privacy can be seen as consistent with royal protocol and reflects Beatrice and Edoardo's approach to parenting amid public scrutiny.
Comments and well wishes have poured in from the royal family's social media platforms. Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s sister, joined the celebration by writing, "Welcome Baby Girl" on her Instagram story, alongside Edoardo’s poignant photo of Athena wrapped snugly in her blanket.
With the couple now focusing on family life, fans and royal enthusiasts are eager to see more updates about baby Athena's growth and experiences alongside her siblings, Wolfie and Sienna. The presence of another royal cousin, particularly one who joins the ranks of Prince William and Princess Kate's children, adds excitement to royal family dynamics.
The arrival of Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi not only extends the Mapelli Mozzi family line but also enriches the collective heritage of the royal family as they continue to flourish with each new generation. This celebration of new life within the monarchy is sure to preserve the legacy of the British royal family for years to come.
Overall, as joy envelops this new arrival, it also enhances public interest surrounding the royal family's activities and what future announcements may be forthcoming as they embrace their new chapter with baby Athena.