Buckingham Palace Announces Princess Beatrice’s Premature Birth and Reveals Baby’s Name

Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have officially welcomed their second child—a baby girl born prematurely on January 22, 2025.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the news in a statement, sharing details about the unexpected early arrival and the name of the newest member of the royal family.

A Joyful Announcement: Princess Beatrice Welcomes Baby Athena

On January 22, 2025, at 12:57 PM, Princess Beatrice gave birth to her second child at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. The royal couple welcomed a daughter, weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.

The announcement came as a surprise, as Beatrice had been expected to give birth in early spring. However, despite the premature arrival, both mother and baby are now home and recovering well.

Buckingham Palace released an official statement confirming the joyous news:

“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, January 22, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen, along with other members of the royal family, have been informed and are delighted with the news.”

The name Athena Elizabeth Rose holds significant meaning, likely a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Beatrice’s late grandmother.

Princess Beatrice and Baby Athena Return Home

Following a brief stay at the hospital, Princess Beatrice and baby Athena are now believed to be at home, surrounded by family. Athena joins her three-year-old sister, Sienna, and eight-year-old half-brother, Christopher “Wolfie” Mapelli Mozzi, from Edoardo’s previous relationship.

To mark the special occasion, Beatrice and Edoardo released a touching first photograph of Athena, showing her dressed in a long-sleeved baby sleepsuit and wrapped in a soft pink blanket. The image captured the hearts of royal watchers, offering a first glimpse of the newborn.

The royal couple has also expressed their deep gratitude to the medical team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, thanking them for their exceptional care and support during the unexpected early delivery.

A Pregnancy Announced in October: A Look Back

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo publicly shared their pregnancy news in October 2024, revealing that they were expecting their second child in early spring 2025.

At the time, Buckingham Palace released a statement expressing the couple’s joy:

“Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

His Majesty The King has been informed, and both families are delighted with the news.”

Accompanying the announcement were heartwarming family photos, including an image of little Sienna holding hands with her father and big brother, Wolfie, as they walked along a country lane. Another photo featured a radiant Beatrice smiling warmly while her husband embraced her.

Medical Concerns and an Early Arrival

Though Princess Beatrice was originally expected to give birth in early spring, she had been advised in December 2024 to avoid long-distance travel for medical reasons. While the exact cause of her premature labor has not been disclosed, it is clear that her delivery took place earlier than anticipated.

At birth, Athena weighed just 4lb 5oz, significantly below the average weight for a full-term baby. For context, according to the NHS, a full-term baby at 37 weeks typically weighs between 6.6 to 8.8 pounds (3-4 kilograms).

While the palace has not confirmed how many weeks along Beatrice was at the time of Athena’s birth, her low birth weight strongly indicates she was born several weeks premature.

Despite this, both mother and baby are now reportedly doing well and settling into family life at home.

A Growing Royal Family: Athena’s Place in the Line of Succession

Athena’s birth marks an important milestone for the York family, as she becomes the fourth grandchild of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

Although she will not hold the title of Her Royal Highness (HRH), Athena is now 11th in line to the British throne. Her birth moves Beatrice’s younger sister, Princess Eugenie, down to 12th place.

Additionally, Athena is the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the second to be born following the Queen’s passing in September 2022.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo’s Love Story

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a property developer, have been married since July 2020. Their intimate royal wedding, which took place at The Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor, was a private ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, in September 2021. As a stepmother to Wolfie, Edoardo’s son from a previous relationship, Beatrice has embraced her blended family, often speaking about the joys of motherhood.

Now, with the arrival of Athena Elizabeth Rose, the couple embarks on a new chapter as a family of five.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Princess Beatrice and Baby Athena

With baby Athena now home, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo will be adjusting to life with their newest addition. As a dedicated mother, Beatrice has maintained a relatively private personal life, balancing her royal duties with family responsibilities.

Although it is unclear when Princess Beatrice will make her first public appearance following Athena’s birth, the royal family is expected to celebrate this joyous occasion privately.

Meanwhile, royal watchers are eagerly anticipating more photos of Athena and updates on how the family is adjusting to life with their newborn.

Final Thoughts: A Joyous Celebration for the Royal Family

The birth of Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi is a moment of joy for Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their loved ones. Despite the unexpected early arrival, both mother and baby are safe, healthy, and at home surrounded by family.

With two daughters now and a loving blended family, Beatrice and Edoardo continue to build a life filled with love and happiness.

The royal family, including King Charles III, has expressed their delight at the news, celebrating the arrival of the newest member of the British monarchy.

Congratulations to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Athena!