“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.
Throughout the essay, Beatrice emphasizes the importance of family support during this period. She reflects on the strength and resilience of her husband, Edoardo, as well as the love and encouragement from her family. Beatrice notes that, in moments like these, it is the presence of loved ones that can offer the most solace, especially when a situation feels so out of one’s control. She speaks of how the royal family, often seen as a distant and formal institution, has shown deep compassion and understanding during the family’s time of need.
Beatrice’s openness about the experience also touches on the emotional complexity of the situation. While Athena’s birth was undoubtedly a traumatic event, Beatrice writes with a sense of gratitude for the medical professionals who supported her and her daughter. “There were moments of fear and doubt,” she confesses, “but there were also moments of pure joy, as Athena started to thrive in the neonatal unit.” The medical staff’s dedication and expertise were vital in ensuring Athena’s survival and development, which Beatrice acknowledges in her essay with deep appreciation.
In her reflection, Beatrice also highlights the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a parent, especially when things don’t go according to plan. She candidly shares her own feelings of guilt and worry, acknowledging that it is common for parents to feel overwhelmed by a situation where they have so little control. Despite these difficult emotions, she stresses the importance of embracing vulnerability and reaching out for support during tough times. This message of openness is a key theme throughout the essay, as Beatrice encourages other parents to speak openly about their struggles and seek help when needed.
The publication of this essay marks a significant moment for Princess Beatrice, who has largely kept her personal life out of the public eye. By sharing her experience, she is not only offering a rare glimpse into her private world, but she is also helping to break down the stigmas surrounding preterm birth and the challenges of motherhood. Her willingness to share such an intimate part of her life is a powerful reminder of the universal challenges that all parents face, regardless of their title or status.
In conclusion, Princess Beatrice’s exclusive essay for British Vogue is a poignant and moving reflection on the realities of motherhood, particularly when facing a preterm birth. Through her words, Beatrice has opened up about the vulnerability, fear, and uncertainty that accompany such an experience, while also offering a message of hope and gratitude for the love and support that helped her through it. It’s a deeply human story, and in sharing it, Beatrice has undoubtedly touched the hearts of many who have gone through similar struggles.
