Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom has welcomed her second child, a daughter named Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, as announced by Buckingham Palace on January 29. Athena was born at 12:57 p.m. on January 22 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. This joyful news has been met with delight from fellow royal family members, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Beatrice, aged 36, is the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. She proudly expressed her joy at the arrival of her second daughter with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who posted on social media to share the news. “We welcomed Baby Athenainto our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect,” he wrote alongside a photo of the newborn, who was bundled up safely.
Both mother and baby are reported to be healthy and doing well post-delivery, as emphasized by the palace's announcement. The statement included heartfelt gratitude from the couple toward the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for providing excellent care during this significant time.
Athena Elizabeth Rose’s name carries deep significance. “Athena” is inspired by the Greek goddess known for wisdom and warfare, reflecting the beauty and strength the family wishes to embody. The middle name “Elizabeth” is not only shared with her older sister, Sienna, but also pays tribute to their late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, continuing the tradition of honoring the royal matriarch through the names of her great-grandchildren.
Athena is the newest member of the royal family, joining her sister, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, who was born in September 2021, and her stepbrother Wolfie, the son of Edoardo from a previous relationship. Including Athena, Beatrice's family now includes three young children, creating what she describes as her little “5-a-side team.”
The palace officially informed the royal family about the birth, and the news was shared widely on platforms like X. Many members expressed joy at the arrival, emphasizing the delight the family feels. “The King and Queen, and other members of The Royal Family have all been informed and are delighted with the news,” the announcement stated.
Sarah, Duchess of York, Beatrice’s mother, also celebrated the momentous occasion on social media. “Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Roseinto the world,” she expressed, emphasizing how adored her granddaughter already is. “I’m incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice, and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!”
This recent addition to the royal family marks another noteworthy moment for Beatrice and Edoardo, who were married during a private ceremony at Windsor Castle in July 2020, attended by close family members. Their marriage and growing family have captured the public's attention, especially as Beatrice navigates motherhood alongside her royal duties.
Notably, the couple adapted their personal plans for the holiday season, deciding to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham instead of traveling abroad after Beatrice was advised against long-distance travel late in her pregnancy.
Athena, now the 11th in line to the British throne, symbolizes both the continuity of royal legacy and new beginnings. The arrival has not only brought joy to Princess Beatrice and her family but has also reflected the enduring interest and affection the British public holds for their royal family members.
With another daughter, Beatrice is continuing to shape her legacy within the royal family, one filled with hope, continuity, and love. From the goddess Athena to the memory of Queen Elizabeth, this birth is interwoven with historical significance and personal meaning.