Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have joyfully announced the birth of their second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose. The baby girl was born on January 22, 2025, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Despite arriving several weeks early, both mother and baby are reported to be healthy and doing well.
The couple expressed their gratitude to the hospital staff for their exceptional care during this special time. Edoardo shared his excitement on social media, writing: “Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi. We welcomed Baby Athenainto our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect. We are all (including Wolfie and Sienna) already completely besotted with her.” He continued with heartfelt words, stating: “Our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena. A massive thank you from my wife and I goes out to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time.”
The significance behind Athena’s name is rather meaningful. Drawing from Greek mythology, the name Athena symbolizes wisdom, warfare, and handicraft. Athena, revered for her strategic prowess and intelligence, was the patron goddess of Athens. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree. For Princess Beatrice, choosing such a name connects to her heritage. Her late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on the Greek island of Corfu as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. This naming choice honors the family’s Greek roots.
Athena Elizabeth Rose joins her older sister, Sienna Elizabeth, born in September 2021, and half-brother Christopher Woolf, affectionately known as Wolfie, from Edoardo’s previous relationship with architect Dara Huang. The choice of Elizabeth as Athena's middle name is believed to pay tribute to Beatrice’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the family's respect and love for the former monarch.
Following the announcement, members of the royal family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, expressed their joy at the new addition to the family. Athena is now positioned as the 11th in line to the British throne, following her sister Sienna. The couple's choice of the name Athena not only honors familial lineage but embodies virtues of wisdom and strength, qualities admired across generations.
While the new parents bask in the joy of their growing family, royal experts have speculated on potential visits from family members—specifically Prince Harry. Royal expert Jennie Bond noted the possibility of Prince Harry traveling to the UK to meet his cousin. She explained, “I don’t think it will hasten a visit by them to the UK, but perhaps if charity work or business brings Harry this way, he’ll be eager to meet his new cousin.”
Beatrice, who now has covered her family news with the heartfelt announcement, likely shared photos of baby Athena with Harry and Meghan Markle, speculated Bond. She added, “I can only assume they’ve already exchanged some pictures of the little one.” Despite Harry’s current residence abroad, there is hope among royal watchers for future family connections.
Now, as Beatrice and Edoardo embrace the joys of parenthood with their newborn daughter, both the royal family and the public celebrate her arrival warmly. Athena’s birth signifies not only the continuation of the royal lineage but also deep familial ties and the joy of new beginnings.