Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have officially become parents of two! On January 22, 2024, they joyfully welcomed their second child, a baby girl, who arrived a bit earlier than expected.

Born prematurely at just 4 pounds and 5 ounces, the royal couple’s daughter, Athena, is doing well, and both mother and baby are healthy. Buckingham Palace reassured the public with this heartwarming news, adding to the excitement surrounding the royal family’s new arrival.

“What a beautiful name!”

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo shared the happy news with the world on January 29th, and social media erupted with messages of congratulations and admiration. Though Athena’s arrival came a few weeks early—her due date was set for early spring—the couple couldn’t be more in love with their newest family member.

“We welcomed Baby Athena into our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect,” Edoardo wrote on Instagram, expressing the deep love and joy he and Beatrice feel for their daughter.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support. “What a beautiful name. Congratulations!” one commenter wrote, while another gushed, “I love Athena’s name. So happy they’re all healthy!”

The Meaning Behind Athena’s Name

The name Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi has captured the attention of royal fans across the globe—not just for its beauty but also for its historical and cultural significance.

In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, often symbolizing strength and intelligence. But the name Athena holds an even deeper personal connection to the British royal family, tying the newborn princess to her Greek heritage.

Princess Beatrice’s grandfather, Prince Philip, was born in 1921 in Corfu, Greece, as a member of the Greek royal family. He was the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. Naming their daughter Athena is seen as a tribute to Princess Beatrice’s Greek lineage, honoring her grandfather’s roots.

The Princess Diana Connection

In another royal twist, baby Athena’s name also links her to the late Princess Diana. Lady Kitty Spencer, Diana’s niece, also chose the name Athena for her daughter in 2024, continuing a subtle family tradition of honoring Greek heritage.

But baby Athena’s arrival isn’t just about her beautiful name—she also has a significant place in the royal line of succession. As the second child of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo, Athena is now 11th in line to the British throne, bumping her Aunt Princess Eugenie down to 12th.

Public Reactions and Praise

The response to Athena’s birth has been overwhelmingly positive, with well-wishers flooding social media to congratulate the new parents. “Oh, welcome to the world, beautiful tiny tot. Congratulations to you all xxx,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “Awwww! So happy for them! She is gorgeous!!!!”

The love for Athena and her parents has also come from those closest to the royal couple. “She’s extremely nurturing and involved with both kids’ lives. It’s lovely to see my best friend growing into this next stage of her life,” said Gabriella Peacock, a close friend of Princess Beatrice.

A Growing Family

Athena is Beatrice and Edoardo’s second child together, after the birth of their daughter Sienna in 2021. But Athena also has a big brother, Wolfie, Edoardo’s son from his previous relationship. Wolfie is already completely “besotted” with his little sister, according to Edoardo, who has been a devoted father to him since 2016.

Princess Beatrice, 9th in line to the throne, has embraced her role as a loving stepmother. Friends of the family have spoken highly of both Beatrice and Edoardo’s parenting skills. “Bea has such a good heart, and she’s such a kind person, so motherhood came very naturally to her,” a close friend shared. “She’s a fantastic mom.”

It’s clear that the royal couple is building a strong, loving family, with little Athena being the perfect addition to their lives. As Edoardo said, their hearts are “overflowing with love,” and they are cherishing every moment with their precious daughter.

The Legacy of Athena’s Name

Athena’s name is more than just a beautiful and elegant choice—it’s a name rich in history, culture, and royal significance. This little princess is already making waves, and she’s just getting started. The royal family’s fans are eager to see what the future holds for Athena, and we can’t wait to watch her grow up as part of such a beloved family.

Let’s take a moment to send our love and best wishes to Princess Beatrice, Edoardo, and their growing family. What do you think of Athena’s name? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🎉👑👶