Princess Beatrice has spoken of how supporting research into premature birth has become “incredibly close and personal” after her daughter Athena Elizabeth Rose was born several weeks early on January 22. The 37-year-old, eldest daughter of the Duke of York and the King’s brother, is fronting a campaign for the charity Borne ahead of World Prematurity Day on November 17.
Beatrice said: “Every year in the UK, 60,000 babies are delivered too soon, with little information or research as to why this is. That is why I am really looking forward to supporting Borne and its programme of groundbreaking research, which I hope will help thousands of parents and children in the future.” She was due to give birth in early spring and changed her Christmas travel plans after medical advice warned a premature arrival was possible.
Globally, 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, and complications from prematurity are the leading cause of neonatal death and lifelong disability. Yet less than 2% of medical research funding is dedicated to pregnancy and childbirth, according to Borne.
The charity’s campaign message “every week counts” was highlighted at an event hosted by Beatrice on Tuesday at London’s Battersea Power Station, attended by supporters, researchers and families. Borne is also releasing a podcast episode featuring Beatrice, meteorologist Laura Tobin and founder Professor Mark Johnson on Monday.
Borne chief executive David Badcock said: “Her support helps raise awareness of the urgent need for more research into prematurity, an area that has for too long been underfunded and underexplored. At Borne we believe that every week counts and, by investing in science today, we can transform the outcomes for families tomorrow.”
