Princess Beatrice has given birth to her second child, opting for a unique name that strays away from royal tradition. She and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are now enjoying their new family at home following the early arrival

Princess Beatrice has given birth to her second daughter – and given the little girl an adorable name.

The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, 36, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, sweetly named their newborn Athena. And while the moniker isn’t a traditional name in the Royal Family, it has a deeper meaning for the couple.

The name is rich in history, making it a fitting choice for the pair’s newest addition to their family. In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, and inspiration.

She is a symbol of strength, intelligence, and independence – qualities that no doubt resonate with the values Princess Beatrice hopes to pass on to her daughter. Known for her role as a protector and guide, Athena was a notable figure in ancient Greece, often associated with the city of Athens.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have welcomed their second daughter ( 
Image:
PA)

Princess Beatrice is also a step-mother to Edoardo’s son Wolfie ( 
Image:
PA Wire)

Prince Philip also had Greek relatives, having been born in Greece, and Beatrice was known for her close bond with her grandparents. The name could also reflect Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s Italian roots, stepping away from traditional British names.

This isn’t the first time Princess Beatrice has taken a different approach to picking her children’s names. In 2021, the couple named their first child Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi – a name that paid tribute to Beatrice’s beloved late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Sienna could also be associated with her mother’s name Sarah, with the pair sharing the same initials. This could lead to speculation that Athena could also be a nod to her father, Andrew.

It is understood Beatrice and her week-old daughter are healthy and doing well despite the baby’s early arrival, and both have left hospital and are at home. She was due to give birth in early spring and in December received medical advice and was told by doctors not to travel long distances.

A statement from Buckingham Palace 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, 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.”

Beatrice’s husband Edoardo posted a tribute to his new daughter, calling her “tiny and absolutely perfect”. He wrote on Instagram sharing a photograph of Athena wrapped 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.

“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.”

Beatrice’s sister Eugenie also celebrated the new arrival by posting “Welcome Baby Girl” and sharing Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s photograph of baby Athena wrapped in a pink blanket on her Instagram Stories.