Sarah Ferguson has issued an adorable statement following the birth of her daughter Princess Beatrice’s baby, Athena.

The Duchess of York wrote on social media: “Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world.

“She is already so adored and I’m incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again.

“So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team.”

Buckingham Palace announced earlier today that Beatrice gave birth to her baby daughter Athena last week, weighing 4lb 5oz, and both mother and baby are said to be healthy, doing well and now at home.

Meanwhile, Beatrice’s husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi posted an emotional tribute to his daughter, saying he and the princess were “completely besotted” with the new arrival, adding “our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena”.

Mr Mapelli Mozzi also thanked the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London for their “exceptional care” after Athena Elizabeth Rose – her second name a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II – arrived several weeks early on January 22.

The princess was due to give birth in early spring, however, her baby daughter came a few weeks early.

She recently had to pull out of the World Economic Forum in Davos after following medical advice due to her pregnancy.

Edo uploaded a photograph of their daughter taken by him, showing Athena with dark hair, wearing a white long-sleeved garment, and wrapped in a pink blanket with her face hidden by her arm.

The family is said to be enjoying spending time together at home with Athena’s older siblings, three-year-old Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s son and Beatrice’s stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.

Mr Mapelli Mozzi wrote: “We welcomed baby Athena into our lives last week. She is tiny and absolutely perfect.

“We are all (including Wolfie and Sienna) already completely besotted with her.

“Our hearts are overflowing with love for you, baby Athena.”

He added: “A massive thank you from my wife and I goes out to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time.”

Athena is the King’s great niece and a new grandchild for the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York.

She is 11th in line to the throne, and also a niece of Beatrice’s sister Princess Eugenie, who welcomed the news on her Instagram Stories with the post “Welcome Baby Girl”.

Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday January 22 at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

“The baby was born weighing 4 pounds and 5 ounces.

“Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”