The British Royal Family has shared the joyful news: Princess Beatrice of York and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have welcomed their second daughter.
The little girl, whom they have named Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, was born last January 22 at 12:57 p.m., weighing 4 pounds, 5 ounces.
Princess Beatrice baby
The official announcement came via the royal family’s social media:
“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.” They also added that “The King and Queen, and other members of The Royal Family have all been informed and are delighted with the news”.
They also expressed their gratitude to the medical staff and confirmed that both mother and baby are in perfect condition.
As with the birth of their firstborn, the couple has chosen to maintain their privacy.
The first image of Athena was captured by her own father, showing the newborn with her face partially covered by the sleeve of her tiny T-shirt.
Athena’s birth makes Beatriz and Edoardo a large family, as they are also raising Wolfie, Edoardo’s son from a previous relationship.
The news came as a surprise to many, as the pregnancy was kept in total secrecy and no information was leaked in the press until after the birth.
Athena in the line of succession
In terms of dynastic position, Athena ranks eleventh in the line of succession to the British throne, behind the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three sons, the Duke of Sussex and his descendants, her grandfather the Duke of York, her mother and her older sister.
However, like her sister and cousins, she will not receive a royal title.
Meaning of Princess Beatrice’s daughter’s name
The newborn’s name has been chosen with a clear meaning.
Athena, of Greek origin, represents “wisdom”, while Elizabeth is a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
This tradition has been maintained in several branches of the royal family, as other great-grandchildren of the monarch also bear her name, such as Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Lilibet Diana, Isla Elizabeth and Lena Elizabeth.
With this news, Princess Beatrice’s family grows and, although without noble titles, her children will continue to occupy a symbolic place in the British monarchy.