Princess Beatrice Honors Greek Roots in First Photo of Daughter

Princess Beatrice of York, aged 36, has welcomed a beautiful daughter named Athena Elizabeth Rose, Buckingham Palace announced today.

The King’s niece celebrated her Greek heritage through a touching detail noticed in Athena’s first public photograph.

Princess Beatrice, who gave birth to her second daughter on January 22, has named the newborn Athena Elizabeth, now the 11th in line to the British throne, moving her aunt Princess Eugenie to 12th place. Athena joins the Mapelli Mozzi family alongside her half-brother Wolfie, 8, and her three-year-old sister Sienna.

In the photo shared by Buckingham Palace, Athena is wrapped in a luxurious knitted blanket designed by Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece. Marie-Chantal is married to Crown Prince Pavlos, a distant relative of Prince Philip, highlighting Beatrice’s affection for her Greek ancestry.

Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021, had Greek roots as the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece, brother to King Constantine I of Greece. Marie-Chantal launched her esteemed children’s fashion brand in 2000, known for its exquisite quality and design, and expanded with a London store in 2018.

The cashmere blanket swaddling baby Athena is part of Marie-Chantal’s exclusive collection and retails for £240 at Harrods. It’s crafted with a ‘scattered open weave that reveals elegant angel wings,’ an homage to her Greek heritage.

This gesture extends beyond the blanket; Athena’s name pays tribute to the Greek goddess of wisdom, further honoring Beatrice’s grandfather Prince Philip’s family legacy. The announcement and Athena’s first photo were lovingly posted with a message of gratitude from both Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo, expressing their delight and appreciation for the care received at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Welcoming their fourth grandchild, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, share in the joy alongside Edo’s son Wolfie and Beatrice’s daughter Sienna. The announcement has been joyfully acknowledged by family members, including Princess Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson, who expressed her heartfelt happiness at the new addition to their family.