The British Royal Family has celebrated a new chapter in its history with the birth of Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, the daughter of Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The official announcement from Buckingham Palace confirmed that the baby was born on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 12:57 PM at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. The newborn weighed 4 pounds and 5 ounces, receiving a warm welcome not only from her parents but also from the entire royal family and the British public, who closely follow the arrival of new members into the monarchy.
Athena’s birth signifies the continuation of the royal lineage and further strengthens the bond between the British monarchy and Italian aristocracy, as her father, Edoardo, descends from a noble Italian family. The choice of name carries historical and emotional significance: Elizabeth pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, while Rose may be a reference to family heritage. Athena, inspired by Greek mythology, symbolizes strength and wisdom.
Grandparents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were informed and expressed their joy at the news. King Charles III and Queen Camilla, along with other royal family members, also celebrated the arrival of Athena. The British public welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, and the event generated widespread social media attention, with royal admirers sending their best wishes.
Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi – Foto: Divulgação
The impact of Athena’s birth on the royal line of succession
With Athena’s birth, the British line of succession is updated once again. Princess Beatrice, who already held the ninth position in the line, now sees her daughter officially included in the royal lineage. Although Athena does not hold a princess title automatically—since her father does not belong to the British royal family—she remains part of the royal household and may play a significant role in the future.
The royal succession follows the order established by the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, which abolished male primogeniture, ensuring that birth order alone determines succession. As a result, Athena follows her mother in the line of succession but without an automatic royal title.
Why Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was chosen
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where Athena Elizabeth Rose was born, is one of London’s most prestigious medical institutions. The hospital is renowned for its excellence in obstetric care and has been the preferred choice for several high-profile figures and members of the royal family for childbirth.
The hospital offers private suites equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and luxurious accommodations. It is a leading center for neonatal care and postnatal recovery, ensuring that both mother and baby received the highest level of medical attention.
The significance of Athena Elizabeth Rose’s name
Athena: Inspired by the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategy, symbolizing intelligence, strength, and leadership. Elizabeth: A direct tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Beatrice’s grandmother, reinforcing the royal tradition. Rose: A name often associated with nobility and elegance, possibly a homage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s family.
The name choice reflects the strong connection between the British monarchy and European aristocratic traditions. Additionally, it carries profound symbolism, uniting classical mythology, royal heritage, and personal family tributes.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo’s journey as a royal couple
Since their marriage in July 2020, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have balanced family life with public duties and business endeavors. Beatrice, known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for dyslexia awareness—a condition she has personally dealt with—has been actively involved in charity work. Edoardo, a real estate entrepreneur, runs a luxury property development company.
The arrival of Athena marks a new chapter for the couple, who are already parents to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, born in September 2021. Edoardo also has a son from a previous relationship, Christopher Woolf, known as “Wolfie,” who now welcomes another sibling into the family.
Interesting facts about royal births
Prince William and Prince Harry were born at St. Mary’s Hospital, in the Lindo Wing, one of the most traditional hospitals for royal births. Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926 at her maternal grandparents’ home in London, before hospital births became the norm for the royal family. King Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace, making him one of the last British monarchs to be born in a royal residence.
How Athena’s birth impacts the royal family
The arrival of Athena Elizabeth Rose comes at a transformative time for the British Royal Family. With King Charles III taking on a more active role as head of state, the monarchy is undergoing structural changes and seeking to strengthen its relationship with the modern public. The birth of new members reinforces the continuity of the family and renews public interest in the monarchy.
Beatrice and her family’s presence in the monarchy is closely followed, as she represents a younger generation that balances royal traditions with a modern approach to public life.
Public and media reaction to Athena’s birth
Following the official announcement from Buckingham Palace, British citizens and royal enthusiasts worldwide took to social media to express their congratulations. The hashtag #RoyalBaby quickly became a trending topic, with discussions on the name choice and the significance of Athena’s birth for the royal family.
British newspapers also gave extensive coverage to the event, highlighting the importance of Athena’s position in the royal lineage and the emotional response from Beatrice and Edoardo. In line with royal tradition, the baby’s name was revealed a few days after her birth, allowing the parents time to reflect on the decision.
What lies ahead for Athena in the royal family
Unlike her cousins, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Athena will not have formal royal obligations, as Beatrice does not hold an official working royal status. However, her connection to both the British monarchy and Italian aristocracy may shape a significant role in the international social scene.
The coming years will determine how Athena is integrated into the modern royal landscape. Beatrice and Edoardo’s approach to media and royal traditions will likely influence Athena’s future involvement in the royal household.