Buckingham Palace cause confusion with Princess Beatrice's due date

A spokesman from Buckingham Palace said: "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.

"His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news."

However, there was some confusion as the statement from the Royal Family's social media account said the couple were expecting their second child together "early in the new year."

This has led to some confusion over when the baby is actually due. GB News has approached Buckingham Palace for a comment.

The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple’s three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s son and Beatrice’s stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

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The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice, wearing a black puffer jacket, smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The King has been informed and both families are "delighted", the Palace said on Tuesday.

The happy news comes during one of the Royal Family’s most personally challenging years, with the King, the Princess of Wales and Beatrice’s mother Sarah, Duchess of York, all being diagnosed with cancer.

The duchess expressed her joy at Beatrice’s pregnancy, writing on social media: "A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart. Wolfie, August, Ernie and Sienna will be over the moon to have the fifth member of the five aside!”

Beatrice is the eldest daughter of the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, and the new baby will be the Yorks’ fourth grandchild, with step-grandson Wolfie making five.

Addressing her “Darling Beatrice” in a shared heartfelt message, the duchess wrote: "Becoming a granny again fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude."

She added: "I cannot wait to meet this little one and to share in all the wonderful memories we will make together."