Will Princess Beatrice’s New Baby Shift the Line of Succession to the British Throne?

Mar. 15, 2025

Princess Beatrice on day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2024.Photo:John Walton/PA Images via Getty

John Walton/PA Images via Getty

Princess Beatriceis pregnant with her second child — and the new addition to the royal family will shift the line of succession to the British throne.

Princess Beatrice, 36, is currently ninth inthe line of succession. Her first child, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, is right behind her at No. 10, with Princess Beatrice’s younger sisterPrincess Eugeniecurrently at No. 11.

Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend Vogue World: London 2023 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sept. 14, 2023 in London, England.Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

“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,” Buckingham Palace said in its Oct. 1 statement.

King Charles, who is Beatrice’s uncle, also shared his joy about the announcement, as the statement continued, “His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”

The palace also released two new photos of Princess Beatrice and her family. In one image, Beatrice and Edoardo share a hug, both smiling from ear to ear. In the second, Edoardo and Wolfie hold hands with Sienna as the family enjoys a stroll through a scenic woodland path — a photo that also doubled as the first image the palace has shared of Sienna.

Princess Beatrice doesn’t have a public social media presence, and both she and Edo have chosen not to show their daughter’s face online. They do, however, sometimes post photos of Sienna from behind, as do Beatrice’s motherSarah Fergusonand her sister Princess Eugenie.

The Duchess of York also shared previously unseen photos of Beatrice with Sienna, writing, “Our family is growing, and so too is the love that surrounds us. I cannot wait to meet this little one and to share in all the wonderful memories we will make together.”

Princess Eugenie also offered congratulations on social media, writing that she was “So looking forward to more on this journey of motherhood together. And adding another little one to the gang.”

Beatrice and Edo’s daughter Sienna was born in September 2021 and recently celebrated her third birthday. Her first name is thought to be a nod to the red hair of both Beatrice and Ferguson, and her middle name, Elizabeth, pays homage toQueen Elizabeth, Sienna’s great-grandmother.

When she was born three years ago, proud dad Edo wrote “Our life together has just begun, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things that await us.” He added, “These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying…that with every child you grow a whole new heart.”

Aside from being British royalty, Sienna also has other nobility in her blood. Edo isdescended from Italian aristocracyand will inherit the family’s ancestral seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in Northern Italy. This makes both Beatrice and Sienna Italian “Contessas” and “Nobile Donnas,” or noble women.Sienna does not carry a titlefrom the British royal family.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on Dec. 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

“Bea has such a good heart and she’s such a kind person, somotherhood came very naturally to her,” celebrity nutritionist Gabriela Peacock toldHello!earlier this year. “She’sa fantastic mum. She’s had Wolfie in her life since she and Edo met and has always been incredible with him. She is extremely nurturing and involved with both kids’ lives. It’s lovely to see my best friend growing into this next stage of her life and to share it with her.”

“She has a lovely family life, she’s extremely successful in her career and she has a nice social life,” Peacock continued. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy. She’s got the best husband, and she and Edo are a perfect couple and great team. They are so happy and in love and complement each other so well.”

source: people.com