Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo speaks out following premature birth of their child

Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi has spoken out in a heartfelt post following the premature birth of their second child.

Yesterday (29 January), Buckingham Palace announced that the princess welcomed her daughter last week on 22 January, despite being due in the spring.

The pair settled on calling the newborn Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, and royal fans were able to get a glimpse of the baby during the announcement.

But now, Edoardo has come out to share his heartfelt feelings on the birth of his child in a post on social media.

He spoke out in a heartfelt Instagram post (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Posting the same image as the palace - which shows the little girl dressed in white with a pink blanket as she covers her face with her hand - he began: "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."

Edoardo went on to thank the staff who looked after his wife, writing: "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.”

He also referred to his older children - daughter Sienna, three, who he shares with the princess and son Christopher Woolf, eight, who he had in a previous relationship - as he said they are 'completely besotted with her'.

The princess’s pregnancy has been relatively private, with Buckingham Palace announcing she was pregnant in October, and providing a loose timeframe of when the baby would be due, noting it would be ‘early spring’.

Edoardo released a statement about his newborn on Instagram (Instagram/@edomapellimozzi)

However, PEOPLE explained that Beatrice and her family made last-minute changes to their Christmas plans ahead of the birth of the baby, which may point to them being aware that perhaps a premature birth was likely.

According to the source, she was instructed to rest over the holidays, as well as to avoid any long-distance travel which meant she was no longer able to spend Christmas with her in-laws in Italy.

Instead, the couple spent their time with King Charles and other members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace before joining the church service on the Sandringham estate on Christmas Day.

What has Buckingham Palace said about Princess Beatrice?

Buckingham Palace revealed details surrounding the birth, explaining in a 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 12.57pm, 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.”