Buckingham Palace announces Princess Beatrice has given birth prematurely as they reveal adorable name

Huge congratulations to Princess Beatrice who has just welcomed her second child with husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Beatrice welcomed a daughter on 22 January, weighing 4lb 5oz.

Princess Beatrice has welcomed her second child (PA)

The couple's new addition, who is named Athena, was born several weeks prematurely.

Buckingham Palace said 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.”

Beatrice and Edoardo in December (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Beatrice and her baby daughter are now believed to be at home, along with Athena's siblings, three-year-old Sienna and Beatrice's stepson Wolfie, aged eight.

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

The princess had been due to give birth in the early spring and in December had received medical advice not to travel long distances.

Beatrice and Edoardo have expressed their sincere thanks to the team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for 'their wonderful care'.

Beatrice announced she was expecting her second child in October (PA)

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."

Beatrice is the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and the new baby is the Yorks’ fourth grandchild.

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

She is also the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022.