Just In: Princess Beatrice’s olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after ‘alarming’ birth of first daughter……See More

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their first daughter last week and are said to be ‘besotted’ with the newborn, who was born prematurely

The royal family is abuzz with excitement over Princess Beatrice’s precious new arrival, and even though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven’t made a public statement just yet, it’s thought they’ve shared their congratulations in private. Princess Beatrice, at 36, and her hubby Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, have been blessed with their second little girl, Athena, who entered the world prematurely on January 22 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, weighing a delicate 4lb 5oz.

Despite being an ocean apart from the senior royals with their life in California, Harry and Meghan are rumored to maintain a warm relationship with Beatrice and Edoardo. An insider suggests that the Sussexes would have been among the first to get an update on little Athena’s arrival.

Royal expert and ex-BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond chimed in with her views to the Mirror, remarking: “I imagine that Beatrice has already pinged a picture or two [or Athena] to Harry and Meghan. I don’t think it will hasten a visit by them to the UK, but perhaps if charity work or business brings Harry this way he’ll be keen to meet his new cousin.”

Reflecting on the birth of Athena, Jennie shared further thoughts: “This was lovely news. After the brutality of last year for so many of the royal family, 2025 is looking altogether brighter. It must have been rather alarming to have such a premature and tiny baby. I think the hospital has to be commended for keeping the birth completely confidential for a week. But all, it seems, is well and the family are obviously delighted.”

She added: “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. 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 Athenas popping up everywhere,” reports the Mirror.

Beatrice and Edoardo are already parents to three year old Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, while Edoardo also has an eight year old son, Wolfie, from a previous relationship.

The joyous news of Athena’s birth was announced by Buckingham Palace in a statement: “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. The baby was born weighing four pounds and five ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”

Edoardo, the proud father, shared a heartfelt tribute to his newborn daughter, describing her as “tiny and absolutely perfect,” alongside a photo of her swaddled in a blanket. “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,” he penned.

He also extended a huge thank you to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this special time.