The Journey of Princess Beatrice: Advocacy for Women’s Health
Princess Beatrice recently opened up about the emotional journey of welcoming her daughter, Athena, prematurely. Through a heartfelt essay in British Vogue, she shared her personal experiences, the challenges of preterm birth, and her desire to support families going through similar situations.
Athena’s Early Arrival
Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, welcomed their second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, on January 22. The couple, who are also parents to Edo’s son Wolfie from a previous relationship, were informed through routine scans that they should prepare for an early delivery. Beatrice candidly expressed in her essay, “Nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you realize your baby is going to arrive early. There’s so little control.”
Life After Birth
Despite the concerns, Athena was born healthy, albeit a few weeks early. Beatrice reflected on the overwhelming relief that took time to settle, noting, “Her feet were so small—almost the same size as the paws on one of my older daughter’s soft bunnies.” Athena, who is 11th in line to the British throne, weighed just 4 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.
Advocacy and Support for Women’s Health
Recognizing the significance of advocacy in women’s health, Beatrice is committed to making a difference. She wrote, “I’ve found myself in the position of being a passionate new mother who wants to work to find answers for women globally.” Her aim is to reassure families facing premature births that they are not alone.
Collaborations for Change
In an effort to support research into preterm birth complications, Beatrice collaborated with her friend Alice Naylor-Leyland on a baby shower collection for the brand Mrs. Alice. The proceeds from this collection will benefit Borne, a charity focused on premature birth research. As a newly announced patron, Princess Beatrice made a public appearance at Borne’s Wonderland Gala to advocate for the cause.
“The work that Borne is undertaking is something that is incredibly close and personal to me following the recent birth of my daughter,” said Beatrice at the event, emphasizing the importance of research in understanding and preventing premature births.
Future Aspirations
Beatrice hopes her efforts will pave the way for improved women’s health care, stating, “Our hope is that it will inspire a conversation around women’s health.” She aspires for her daughters, Sienna and Athena, to grow up in a world where they are equipped with the best knowledge available to face any health challenges that arise.
A Universal Experience
Reflecting on her experiences, Beatrice acknowledged that while her life as a royal is unique, the feelings she encountered during pregnancy and motherhood are universally shared by women around the globe.
