Princess Beatrice sparks debate after fans spot one detail in new picture of premature baby
Royal fans were thrilled to see that Princess Beatrice had welcomed baby Athena towards the end of last month, having shared an adorable snap of the newborn.
Little Athena was born several weeks early, but thankfully Buckingham Palace confirmed she had been delivered safely.
A statement confirmed that Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi was born on Wednesday 22 January at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.
It read: “Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”
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Proud dad Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi also shared the pic on his own Instagram feed, writing: “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.”
Many people shared their congratulations to the couple – who are also parents to daughter Sienna, while Edoardo shares son Wolfie with ex-wife Dara Huang – although not everyone had well wishes to pass on.
“What is the point of Princess Beatrice's photo of her newborn baby when you can't see its face?” one fumed on X.
Someone else agreed: “I find these type of photos silly. Just don’t show them at all. A statement gets the job done without a photo less person than clip art.”
Australian journalist Amanda Platell also wrote for the Daily Mail: “By pretentiously disguising the little one in the way she did, Beatrice undermines that unspoken contract between the Royal Family and the people.
“And leaves us feeling who the hell does she think she is?”
But others came to the couple’s defence, claiming the move was very much done mindfully - and in a way that many parents can relate to.
“Baby Athena’s hand in her face is intentional,” one explained.
“Princess Beatrice & Edo have never publicly shared photos of their children’s face in order to protect the children’s privacy.”
Another wrote: “It's lovely that they shared this glimpse with us. What a blessing.”
A third agreed: “Hand or no hand Athena looks adorable.”
Indeed, the pair rarely share photos of elder daughter Sienna, and when they do, her full identity is usually concealed.
In a sweet birthday post in 2023, Edoardo shared a photo of Sienna from behind walking along in a pink floral dress, wearing a large sombrero.
“Happy Birthday Baby Girl,” he wrote.
“You bring us so much love and joy every day.”
Topics: Parenting, Royal Family, Princess Beatrice
Jess Hardiman