Buckingham Palace reveals shocking details about Princess Beatrice’s premature birth as picture of newborn is released

Buckingham Palace has revealed details about the birth of Princess Beatrice's second child, born earlier this month.

Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, welcomed a daughter on 22 January, weighing 4lb 5oz.

The couple's new addition, who is named Athena, was born several weeks prematurely. However, both mum and baby are now said to be at home and recovering well.

Princess Beatrice and her husband welcomed baby Athena on 22 January(PA)

Beatrice and Edoardo have released a photograph of their daughter wearing a long-sleeved baby sleepsuit and wrapped in a pink blanket.

The announcement has come as a shock, with the princess due to give birth in the early spring and in December had received medical advice not to travel long distances.

The royal couple have expressed their sincere thanks to the team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for 'their wonderful care'.

Buckingham Palace has now 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.”

PA)

While it's not clear how many weeks Beatrice was when she welcomed the little one, in a previous statement released in October, the palace confirmed that Beatrice was due in 'early spring'.

Meanwhile, Athena's weight indicates that she was born early, weighing the equivalent of two and a half bags of sugar.

At 37 weeks pregnant - which is considered full term - the NHS explains that the average baby weighs between three and four kilograms (up to 8.8lb).

Beatrice announced she was expecting her second child back in October.

At the time, the royal family shared new photos to announce the news - the first showing little Sienna walking along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother, Wolfie.

The second snap showed a very happy-looking Beatrice smiling at the camera while her husband hugged her.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

"His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news."