Princess Beatrice’s newborn daughter has reshuffled the royal family’s line of succession, pushing a key family member further down the list.
The Princess of York welcomed her second child earlier than expected, as she was originally due in the spring but arrived on January 22 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, shared a heartwarming photo of their baby girl along with a touching statement celebrating her birth.
Edoardo took to Instagram to share the joyful news: **”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 also expressed gratitude, adding: “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.”
Buckingham Palace was the first to confirm the news, providing additional details in an official 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, January 22, at 12:57 p.m. at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
“The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.
“Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”**
Athena’s birth has also shifted the royal line of succession, as she now holds the 11th spot in line to the throne.
Although Sienna currently holds the 10th spot in the line of succession, the arrival of baby Athena has just bumped her aunt, Princess Eugenie, further down the list. Let’s break it all down.
At the top is Prince William, King Charles III’s eldest son, making him first in line. His three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—follow in second, third, and fourth place, respectively.
Prince Harry remains fifth in line, with his children, Archie (5) and Lilibet (3), in sixth and seventh.
Next is Prince Andrew, still holding the eighth position, followed by Princess Beatrice at ninth, Sienna at tenth, and now Athena at 11th.
With this shift, Princess Eugenie moves to 12th place, and her two sons, August and Ernest, take the 13th and 14th spots.
Further down the line, Lady Louise, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has been pushed to 17th, while Princess Anne, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter, is now 18th in the order of succession.
