Princess Beatrice reveals she's pregnant with her second child
The princess and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting a new arrival next Spring
Buckingham Palace has announced that Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child.
The 36-year-old is due to give birth in early spring, making the new baby 11th in line to the throne.
The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple’s three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s son and Beatrice’s stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.
Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.
The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.
In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice – wearing a black puffer jacket – smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.
The King has been informed and both families are “delighted”, the Palace said on Tuesday.
The happy news comes during one of the royal family’s most personally challenging years, with the King, the Princess of Wales and Beatrice’s mother Sarah, Duchess of York all being diagnosed with cancer.
Sarah was treated for malignant melanoma skin cancer in January, just months after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer, but Beatrice said in May the duchess had been given the “all clear”.
The King 'delighted with the news'
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 the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, and the new baby will be the Yorks’ fourth grandchild.
The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice’s younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.
Line of succession to the throne
Prince William
The Prince of Wales, Prince William will become King when his father dies. His wife the Princess of Wales will become Queen consort.
Prince George
William's oldest son, Prince George of Wales will follows his father in the line of succession.
Princess Charlotte
After Prince George comes Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince William's second child and first daughter.
Prince Louis
The youngest of William and Kate's children, Prince Louis of Wales, is next in line to the throne after his older siblings.
Prince Harry
Prince William's younger brother, Prince Harry Duke of Sussex, follows his nephews and niece in the line of succession.
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son, Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, follows his father in the line of succession. Archie's younger sister Princess Lilibet Diana is next in line after Archie.
Prince Andrew
Next comes Prince Andrew Duke of York, the late Queen's second son and third child.
Princess Beatrice
The Duke of York's oldest daughter, Princess Beatrice is next in line to the throne after her father. Beatrice is followed in succession by her daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.
Princess Eugenie
Prince Andrew's youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, follows her niece in the line of succession.