Princess Beatrice’s daughter’s name is a sweet nod to Queen Elizabeth II – and upholds a long-standing family tradition.
Baby Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi was born on Wednesday, January 22, just minutes before 1pm at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Both the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family have all been informed – and are delighted with the news, a statement after her birth read.
And while Athena may not be a name so closely linked to the House of Windsor, it’s her first of two middle names which has raised royal fans’ eyebrows.
Baby Athena was born on Wednesday, January 22, just minutes before 1pm
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Baby Athena’s second name, Elizabeth, appears to be a touching nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II – Princess Beatrice’s grandmother, and Athena’s great-grandmother.
Beatrice’s own middle name is Elizabeth – and her daughter’s name marks the seventh royal reference to the late Queen by her descendants.
The Queen’s own daughter Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, Princess Charlotte, Princess Lilibet of Sussex, Zara Tindall’s daughter Lena, Athena’s sister Sienna and now Athena herself are all named after Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
Athena is said to have met her sister and step-brother – Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s eight-year-old son Wolfie – with Beatrice having now left hospital with her newborn daughter.
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Baby Athena’s second name, Elizabeth, appears to be a touching nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II
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Welcoming his daughter to the world, Edoardo wrote on social media: “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.”
While Athena’s aunt Princess Eugenie wrote: “Welcome Baby Girl,” after the news broke.
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Both Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie welcomed the news of the birth on social media
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Beatrice was due to give birth in early spring, and in December received medical advice and was told by doctors not to travel long distances.
She joined the Royal Family at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day after changing her travel plans to spend the festive period overseas, with doctors said to have warned that a premature arrival was a possibility.
A Buckingham Palace statement at 1pm today said: “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 January 22 at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
“The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”
