“There’s So Little Control”: Princess Beatrice Opens Up About Daughter Athena’s Preterm Birth in an Exclusive Essay for British Vogue
Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, has always been a figure of poise and grace within the British royal family. However, in a deeply personal and heartfelt essay written exclusively for British Vogue, she has opened up about the challenging and emotional experience of her daughter Athena’s preterm birth. In this rare and candid reflection, Beatrice shares her thoughts and emotions during an intense period of uncertainty, shedding light on the realities of motherhood, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Athena, Beatrice’s first child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, was born prematurely in September 2021, a moment that altered the course of the princess’s life. In her essay, Beatrice details the overwhelming feelings of helplessness and fear that she experienced in the days leading up to Athena’s arrival. “There’s so little control,” Beatrice writes, emphasizing the uncertainty that accompanies a preterm birth. “As much as you plan and prepare, there’s no way to predict what will happen.”
The essay, which is both an exploration of Beatrice’s personal journey into motherhood and a reflection on the challenges many parents face, offers insight into the vulnerability she felt during that difficult time. Athena was born at just 32 weeks, which meant that the princess and her family had to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby who required specialized medical care right after birth. Beatrice admits that, despite her royal status, nothing could have prepared her for the emotional toll of seeing her newborn in an incubator, connected to medical equipment, fighting to grow strong.