Athena – Princess Beatrice’s month-old daughter – is soon to be replaced as the youngest member of the British Royal Family.
That’s right – there’s a new addition to the monarchy on the way.
36-year-old Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their second child together on 22 January, breaking the news by sharing a sweet pink babysuit snap on Instagram.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed the baby’s arrival, revealing that Athena had been born at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, and weighed ‘4 pounds and 5 ounces’.
Followers of the Royal Family clocked that the infant was the first to be born with a particularly unique trait. Accordingly, Athena is the first Royal member of the ‘Gen Beta’ community.
This describes a new generation of babies that will be born between 2025 and 2039, meaning they could end up being the first people to live into the 22nd century.
According to demographer and consultant Mark McCrindle, these youngsters would ‘grow up in a world shaped by breakthroughs in technology, evolving social norms, and an increasing focus on sustainability and global citizenship’.
He added: “Generation Beta will also inherit a world grappling with major societal challenges. With climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanisation at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation.
“This generation will be raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents, many of whom prioritise adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting.” I know, pretty heavy stuff.
However, Athena won’t be the only Royal representative for the ‘Gen Beta’ community for very long.
That’s because news broke on 12 Mar that Hugh and Olivia Grosvenor – otherwise known as the Duke and Duchess of Westminster – are expecting their first child together.
A spokesperson for the high-profile couple told the media in a statement: “The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are very pleased to share that the Duchess is expecting a baby in the summer.
“The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together.”
Many have already predicted that Prince William might be the child’s godfather, being that he and brother Prince Harry grew up close to Hugh – who is, in turn, the godfather of their two sons, Prince George and Prince Archie.
Hugh is also the godson of King Charles III, and his mother, Natalia, is godmother to William.
He and and Olivia – who reportedly met through friends – wed at Chester Cathedral in June of last year, where 42-year-old William served as one of his ushers.
