Prince Harry is reportedly looking forward to a trip back to the UK, eager to meet his new cousin, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli-Mozzi.
The excitement stems from the recent birth of Princess Beatrice‘s daughter, which has reignited interest in how the royal family is navigating their relationships during this joyful occasion.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Eduardo Mapelli-Mozzi, welcomed little Athena on January 22 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
This new addition not only brings happiness to Beatrice and Eduardo but also offers a much-needed boost to the wider royal family, who have endured a tough year.
Royal commentators suggest that the connection between Harry and Beatrice may have already begun, as she might have shared a photo of her newborn with him shortly after the birth.
Former BBC correspondent Jenny Bond weighed in on the situation, speculating that communication between the cousins has likely been established.
She mentioned that Eduardo announced the joyous news on social media soon after Athena’s arrival, hinting at a possible exchange of photos between Beatrice and Harry.
While Bond doesn’t expect Harry and Meghan to rush over immediately, she believes that if Harry has any business or charity commitments in the UK, he would certainly take advantage of the chance to meet the new baby.
“This is such lovely news, especially after the brutality of last year for many in the royal family,” Bond remarked.
With 2025 kicking off on a more hopeful note, the birth of Athena symbolizes a fresh start for the family.
Just a week after her birth, Eduardo shared a heartwarming photo of Athena, revealing that she was born prematurely at just 4 pounds and 5 ounces.
Bond commended the hospital staff for their discretion, managing to keep the details of the birth under wraps for an entire week.
“It’s wonderful to hear that all is well and the family is happy,” she noted, praising the confidentiality maintained in an era where information spreads like wildfire on social media.
As the granddaughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Athena is part of a family that continues to reside at Royal Lodge.
Both Andrew and Ferguson have faced their share of challenges, but Bond highlighted that family ties have grown increasingly vital for Andrew in recent times.
“Being a doting grandfather may now be one of his primary roles,” she suggested, emphasizing the importance of these connections amidst turbulent periods.
Beyond the emotional significance of Athena’s arrival, Bond also shared her thoughts on the name choice.
“It’s a lovely name, and it’s refreshing to see the royal family moving away from strictly traditional names,” she said.
As unique names gain popularity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more children named Athena in the future, reflecting a broader societal trend where parents seek out distinctive names.
The arrival of Athena not only marks a moment of joy for Beatrice and Eduardo but also presents an opportunity for family members, including Harry, to reconnect.
These personal milestones serve as reminders of the importance of family bonds, particularly in light of the challenges the royal family has faced recently.
As Harry potentially prepares for a visit to the UK, it will be fascinating to observe how these family dynamics evolve.
