Edoardo appeared to hint at royal baby news weeks before official announcement

The company's social media profile, which has more than 230,000 followers, shared a selection of images of a playroom ideal for a toddler. It was a left-field post for the company's social media, which usually sticks to glossy kitchens and kitsch living rooms.

Under the post was the caption: "Floating colourful balloons as pendants and sconces, with relaxing wallpaper reminiscent of the sky, and a giraffe that evokes cherished memories for the homeowners."

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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.

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 Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

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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.”

Sarah posted a photo of herself and Beatrice, who was wearing a floral headband, crouching down with Sienna, who was dressed in a white flower-girl style dress with a pale turquoise bow around the waist.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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.”

The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice’s younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place, and Eugenie’s sons August and Ernest Brooksbank becoming 13th and 14th in line.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Ernest last year.