
Princess Beatrice, the granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has welcomed her second child, a daughter named Athena Elizabeth Rose. Born several weeks prematurely on January 22, 2025, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, Athena weighed 4 pounds and 5 ounces and is said to be healthy and doing well, as reported by the BBC. Her petite size officially makes her the smallest newborn in the royal family.
An official statement released by the royal family reads: “Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of The Royal Family have all been informed and are delighted with the news,” as reported by CNN.
This joyous addition to the royal family comes just over three years after the birth of Beatrice’s first daughter, Sienna Elizabeth, in September 2021. Athena is also the younger sibling of Christopher Woolf, affectionately known as “Wolfie,” from her father Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s previous relationship.
The name Athena carries significant personal and historical meaning. Athena, a revered figure in Greek mythology, is the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. The name is particularly meaningful given Beatrice’s grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born into the Greek royal family. By choosing this name, the princess appears to honor the family’s heritage and its connections to Greece. Athena’s middle name, Elizabeth, is a poignant tribute to Beatrice’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the deep respect and affection the family holds for the beloved monarch. Rose, her final middle name, is a traditional choice within the royal family, often used in many royal names throughout history.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, announced their pregnancy in October 2024, expressing their excitement at expanding their family. The couple, who married in a small ceremony in July 2020, has since remained active in their charitable endeavors. Despite their public roles, the couple maintains a relatively private family life, and their announcement of Athena’s birth has been met with widespread congratulations.
Beatrice and Edoardo have shared their happiness through social media. In an Instagram post, the couple thanked the medical staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care, expressing their gratitude for the support they received during the birth.
Her grandmother, Sarah Ferguson, shared: “Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world. She is already so adored and I’m incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!” as reported by The Daily Mail.
As the 11th in line to the British throne, Athena Elizabeth Rose’s arrival adds to the lineage of the royal family. Although she does not hold a royal title due to her position in the line of succession, she inherits aristocratic titles from her father’s side, further connecting her to both the British royal family and the Italian aristocracy.
In keeping with royal tradition, the family is expected to enjoy private time together as they adjust to their new addition. Public appearances and official engagements are expected to resume in the coming months. The royal family’s followers are excited to see the young princess grow, and Athena’s arrival has already sparked conversations about the next generation of the British monarchy.
The couple’s growing family continues to captivate the public’s imagination, and Beatrice’s new daughter is expected to receive much attention in the coming years. In a period of change and reflection for the royal family, Athena’s birth represents both a continuation of tradition and a step toward a new generation.