The British Royal family has a new addition! On January 29, Buckingham Palace announced the safe arrival of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s second child. However, circumstances surrounding the child’s birth put fans in their feelings.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the good news on social media, sharing the newborn’s name alongside a heartwarming first photo. “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 12:57pm,” it read. The little one’s middle name is a sweet tribute to her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The statement added that Baby Athena was born “weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.” Other Royal members were reported to have been informed of the birth, especially King Charles. “Princess Beatrice and Mr. Mapelli Mozzi would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care,” it read.
“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.”
Alongside the statement was a photo of the newborn wrapped in a pink blanket with her face covered. The adorable image was taken by Princess Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo.
Princess Beatrice & Newborn Daughter Confirmed To Be ‘Healthy’
The proud father gave more details surrounding his daughter’s birth in a post on his Instagram. Alluding to her size, Edoardo described Athena as “tiny and absolutely perfect.” He added that her siblings, Wolfie and Sienna, are “completely besotted with her.” Concluding his message, he appreciated the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Despite the confirmation of the princess and her daughter’s wellbeing, fans online expressed concern over the weight of the infant.
“Less than 4 1/2 pounds??? Is she a premie?” a curious observer asked.
“That is a very tiny and presumably rather early baby,” another comment read.
“Oof so small,” one fan penned, while another added, “She’s very small.”
“4 pounds, 5 ounces—she’s tiny but mighty! So happy to hear both mom and baby are doing well,” a fourth fan wrote.
Baby Athena’s arrival is no doubt a breath of fresh air for the royal family, who had a tough 2024. King Charles, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, and Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice’s mom, all battled cancer. The newborn’s grandmother, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer in January. Months before, she underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer.
Luckily, Ferguson received the “all clear” in May 2024. With her fifth grandchild now here, the palace will no doubt break out in celebration.
