Second royal princess welcomes a surprise son after keeping pregnancy secret
Second royal princess welcomes a surprise son after keeping pregnancy secret
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The British royal family aren't the only ones celebrating the arrival of a brand new baby this week. Congratulations are also in order for Princess Maria Laura of Belgium and her husband William Isvy, who have welcomed their first child, a son named Albert, on 26 January - three days before Princess Beatrice announced the birth of her newborn daughter Athena. Baby Albert's arrival was something of a surprise to royal fans; Maria Laura and William did not reveal their pregnancy prior to the birth. The Belgian Palace announced the news on Wednesday, alongside a sweet snapshot showing the little boy lying asleep in a cream jumper.
The social media post read: "Princess Maria Laura and Mr. William Isvy are delighted to announce the birth of their son Albert, born on Sunday 26 January in Brussels. Albert weighs 3.5 kg and is doing well, just like his mother. The families of the young parents share in their happiness.". The new royal was named after his great-grandfather, Albert II of Belgium, who reigned as King from 1993 until his abdication in 2013. Baby Albert is now 11th in line to the throne but has made history as the first Belgium royal not to have been awarded a title.
Princess Maria Laura is the niece of King Philippe, and the second child of Princess Astrid of Belgium, Phillippe's younger sister. She has been married to her husband William - a British investment banker - since 10 September 2022. They tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Brussels followed by a religious celebration at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula a day later. Maria Laura was raised away from the royal spotlight and grew up in Bazel, Switzerland, until the age of five as her father worked for an international bank. Along with her four siblings - Prince Amedeo, Prince Joachim. Princess Luisa Maria and Princess Laetitia Maria - she was raised away from royal duty and rarely appears at public engagements. According to the Daily Mail, Maria Laura studied sinology and international relations in Paris, before getting a Master's Degree in international relations and diplomacy at SOAS. University of London.
It comes after Buckingham Palace announced the arrival of the British royal family's newest member. In a statement shared on Wednesday, the Palace confirmed: "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, 22nd January, at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. The baby was born weighing four pounds and five ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.".
