Princess Beatrice breaks cover after birth of daughter to announce poignant new role

Princess Beatrice has been seen for the first time since welcoming daughter Athena several weeks early.

The King’s niece, 36, was joined by husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at a fundraising gala for Borne – a charity researching premature birth – where it was announced she had become its newest patron.

It comes weeks after Beatrice announced the early arrival of her second daughter in January – and is believed to underscore her personal commitment to ending premature birth globally. The princess and her husband already have three-year-old daughter Sienna together, while Edo has son Woolfie from a previous relationship.

At the gala at London’s V&amp, A Museum last night, Beatrice beamed in a white Self-Portrait dress as she posed on the red carpet with Edo. They were joined at the event by singer Ellie Goulding, who gave an exclusive performance.

Talking about her new role, the princess said: “The work that Borne is undertaking is something that is incredibly close and personal to me following the recent birth of my daughter.

” Every year in the UK, 60, 000 babies are delivered too soon, with little information or research as to why this is. That is why I am really looking forward to supporting Borne and its programme of groundbreaking research, which I hope will help thousands of parents and children in the future. “

Meanwhile, Professor Mark Johnson, founder of Borne, said:” We are immensely grateful to Her Royal Highness for her dedication to our mission. Her support will be instrumental in raising awareness and driving the vital research needed to prevent premature birth. “

Newborn Athena is the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie’s second child Ernest in 2023. Eugenie also has an older son called August. It’s not expected that the King will hand out a title to the newborn.

The baby, who is not an HRH, was born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice’s younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place. 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.

Athena’s birth was announced by Buckingham Palace as well as by Edo on his Instagram account, where he posted a photo of the little girl and called her” tiny and absolutely perfect”.

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”.

Source: Mirror