The announcement was brief, elegant, and unmistakably royal. On January 29, 2025, Buckingham Palace released a short statement confirming that Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, had welcomed their second child together: a baby daughter named Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi. Born on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 12:57 p.m. at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, the newborn weighed 4 pounds 5 ounces and arrived several weeks prematurely. Within minutes of the post, the name alone sent royal watchers into a frenzy. Athena — a striking, mythological choice — sparked endless speculation, admiration, and debate across social media and royal circles.
The palace’s statement was characteristically understated: “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. 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.” The message included thanks to the hospital staff for their “wonderful care,” the same facility where their first daughter, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, was born in September 2021.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a property developer and founder of Banda Property, shared the news on Instagram with a tender black-and-white photograph of newborn Athena swaddled in a soft blanket, her tiny hand covering her face. He captioned the post: “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 added heartfelt thanks to the hospital team, calling their care “exceptional” during an “incredibly special time.” The image, taken by Edoardo himself, captured the intimate, private joy of the moment.
Athena’s full name carries layers of meaning that royal observers quickly dissected. “Athena,” drawn from ancient Greek mythology, refers to the goddess of wisdom, war, and handicraft — a powerful, intelligent figure born fully grown from the head of Zeus. The name’s strength and symbolism resonated deeply, especially given Beatrice’s long-standing commitment to charities supporting young people, education, and empowerment. It also nods to the British royal family’s Greek heritage through Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Beatrice’s grandfather, who was born on the Greek island of Corfu. Some commentators suggested the choice subtly honors both sides of the family, with the initial “A” possibly paying tribute to Beatrice’s father, Prince Andrew, and Edoardo’s father, Alessandro “Alex” Mapelli Mozzi.
The middle name “Elizabeth” continues a heartfelt family tradition. Beatrice, whose own middle name is Elizabeth, previously gave the same middle name to her daughter Sienna as a tribute to her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The third name, “Rose,” evokes beauty, love, and passion, and has been interpreted by some as a nod to England’s national flower, the Tudor Rose, or possibly a reference to Princess Margaret’s middle name. The full name — Athena Elizabeth Rose — blends mythology, royal legacy, and timeless elegance.
One detail that royal insiders couldn’t ignore was the premature arrival. Athena was born several weeks early, weighing just 4 pounds 5 ounces. Beatrice and Edoardo had announced the pregnancy in October 2024, with an expected due date in “early spring.” The early birth required close monitoring and care, and the couple expressed deep gratitude to the medical team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In March 2025, Beatrice opened up in a personal essay for Vogue about the experience, revealing the intense worry and sleepless nights that preceded the delivery. “There’s so little control,” she wrote, describing the anxiety of monitoring every movement and preparing for an early arrival. She emphasized her gratitude for the medical support and her determination to advocate for more research into preterm birth complications.
Athena is the second child for Beatrice and Edoardo, joining their daughter Sienna, born in September 2021, and Edoardo’s son Christopher Woolf (known as Wolfie), born in 2016 from his previous relationship with Dara Huang. Beatrice is also a devoted stepmother to Wolfie. The family’s blended dynamic has been described as warm and close-knit, with the couple often sharing glimpses of family life on social media.
The announcement was met with widespread joy. Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s sister, celebrated the arrival on Instagram Stories with a glittery “Welcome Baby Girl” graphic. Sarah, Duchess of York, Beatrice’s mother, expressed her delight, calling Athena the latest addition to her “little five-a-side team” and sharing pride in her daughter. King Charles III and Queen Camilla, along with other members of the royal family, were said to be “delighted” with the news.
Athena’s arrival places her 11th in line to the British throne, just behind her older sister Sienna (10th). The baby’s birth adds another chapter to the evolving story of the modern royal family — one that balances tradition with contemporary life. Beatrice, who maintains a relatively low public profile compared to senior royals, continues her work with charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust and Big Change, an organization focused on empowering young people.
The name Athena, with its strength, wisdom, and classical roots, has been hailed as a bold yet fitting choice. It stands out among more traditional royal names while carrying deep personal and historical significance. Royal watchers note that it reflects the couple’s values — intelligence, resilience, and a connection to heritage — and signals a new generation of royals who are unafraid to embrace distinctive, meaningful choices.
As the family settles into life with their newborn, the world celebrates the arrival of a tiny princess whose name has already made history — and whose future promises to be just as extraordinary.
