Exclusive:
Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo recently welcomed their second child together, a daughter named Athena – and it seems they might have already shared their delight with the Sussexes
The royal family have shared their joy at the arrival of Princess Beatrice’s ‘perfect’ baby daughter, and while the Sussexes have yet to publically respond to the lovely news, it seems they’ve already expressed their delight behind the scenes.
Beatrice, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, welcomed their second daughter on January 22 at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Their ‘tiny’ newborn, named Athena, was born prematurely weighing just 4lb 5oz.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live thousands of miles away in California, and are all but estranged from the leading royals. But Beatrice and her husband Edoardo are known to have a solid bond with the couple and will likely have reached out to the Sussexes following Athena’s arrival, according to an expert.
Reacting to Beatrice’s happy news, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “I imagine that Beatrice has already pinged a picture or two [or Athena] to Harry and Meghan. 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 keen to meet his new cousin.”
Reflecting further on Athena’s arrival, Jennie continued: “This was lovely news. After the brutality of last year for so many of the royal family, 2025 is looking altogether brighter. It must have been rather alarming to have such a premature and tiny baby. I think the hospital has to be commended for keeping the birth completely confidential for a week. But all, it seems, is well and the family are obviously delighted.
“I think family has become ever more important for the beleaguered Prince Andrew, and perhaps one of his main roles in life these days is to be a doting grandad. And I’m sure that Fergie will be just as besotted as little Athena’s parents clearly are. I think it’s a rather lovely name and it’s about time that the Royal family moved away from strictly traditional names. These days everyone seems to be coming up with unusual names – though I’m sure in a month or two there will be Athenas popping up everywhere.”
Beatrice and Edoardo are also parents to three-year-old Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, while Edoardo is a proud dad to eight-year-old son Wolfie from a previous relationship. Buckingham Palace announced the happy news of Athena’s arrival in a statement that read: “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, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. The baby was born weighing four pounds and five ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”
Proud dad Edoardo also posted a tribute to his new “tiny and absolutely perfect” daughter along with a photograph showing her wrapped in a blanket. “Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi. We welcomed baby Athena into our lives last week. 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,” he wrote. “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.”
