Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi joyfully announced the birth of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, who arrived prematurely on January 22nd at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Born at 12:57 p.m., Athena weighed 4 pounds and 5 ounces, marking her entrance into the world four weeks ahead of schedule. Despite the early arrival, both mother and daughter are reported to be in stable condition.
"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." – Princess Beatrice
The birth of Athena comes as a surprise, as the palace had previously stated that the baby was not due until the Spring. Her premature birth has led to careful medical attention, with Athena being taken to the regional neonatal unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting as a precaution. This measure reflects the NHS guidelines that define premature labor as occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy, often resulting in increased vulnerability for newborns.
"Her Royal Highness and her daughter are both stable. As a purely precautionary measure, the baby was taken to the regional neonatal unit at St George's Hospital, Tooting." – Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie)
Princess Beatrice is no stranger to the challenges of premature births. Her firstborn, Lady Louise Windsor, also arrived early via emergency caesarean section, weighing 4 pounds and 9 ounces. The Duchess of Edinburgh, who experienced similar circumstances with Lady Louise, may provide emotional support to Princess Beatrice during this time. The Duchess has publicly shared her emotional reactions to depictions of premature births and the associated challenges.
"This is the third time I have seen this film A Life with Sight and each time I see it, it makes me cry. My daughter, Louise, was born prematurely and so every time I see anything to do with premature babies, it takes me back to those early days, the shock of her early arrival, and then the realisation that she had a sight issue, which we would have to manage." – Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie)
