Princess Beatrice's daughter's birth allows family tradition to continue in special way
Fans of the Royal Family were delighted earlier this week as Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, announced the birth of their second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi. The new arrival, who is the 14th great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, will have undoubtedly bought a lot of joy to the whole family, and has enabled a special York family tradition to continue.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “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."
On the baby's unusual - but suitably regal - name, Jennie adds: “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 Athena’s popping up everywhere!”
READ MORE: Ferne McCann's life-changing move unveiled after Dancing on Ice exit
READ MORE: David Beckham supported by wife Victoria and kids at launch of steamy new campaign
And, in many ways, Athena’s arrival is even more special as it allows a York family tradition to live on. Just like how Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are not only sisters, but the best of friends, Jennie points out how wonderful it will be to see this be replicated in Sienna and Athena in the years to come.
“Having a sister is special. It just is. In good times and bad, it is so often your sisters you turn to,” Jennie says warmly. “Beatrice and Eugenie have had many occasions when their support for one another has been incredibly important. I’m sure it is the strength of their sisterhood that has seen them through the crises which have engulfed both their parents over the last decade or so.”
Reflecting on more recent times, Jennie adds: “It’s lovely to see them, grown women now, still so close to one another so I’m absolutely sure that Beatrice‘s greatest wish will be for her two girls to grow up supporting and loving one another. They will have a great example to follow in the strong bond that is still obvious between Beatrice and Eugenie who are not just sisters, but best friends.”
The 11th-in-line-to the throne was born several weeks premature at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on January 22, and is the younger sister of the couple’s first daughter, Sienna Elizabeth, three, and Edoardo’s son from a previous relationship, Christopher Woolf ‘Wolfie’, eight.
The news of Athena’s birth was announced in a statement from Buckingham Palace which confirmed that the baby “was born weighing four pounds and five ounces” and added that “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, 41, was the first to post a tribute to his new daughter on Instagram alongside a photograph of her snuggled in a pink blanket.
Calling her "tiny and absolutely perfect", he went on to write: "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. 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."
Doting granny Sarah, Duchess of York also took to social media to share her delight following the birth of her second granddaughter, writing: “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!”
Princess Eugenie also celebrated the arrival of her new niece as she posted "Welcome Baby Girl" alongside Edoardo’s photograph of baby Athena.
