Bird Flu outbreak puts Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mozzi’s home at risk

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mozzi could be facing a serious threat after bird flu was confirmed near their £3.5million property, putting them on high alert.

Since buying the Cotswolds farmhouse in 2021, the couple have made it home to their daughters, Sienna and Athena.

The 37-year-old and her spouse began renovating the property, including the cattle shed, which is rumoured as a possible option to serve as Sarah Ferguson’s new home once she leaves the Royal Lodge.

Highly contagious and often fatal, avian flu severely affects domestic and wild bird populations. While it mainly affects birds, this variant can also infect mammals like cattle and even poses a risk to humans.

Residents were alerted to the danger by Blenheim Communities, a Facebook page covering estate news and local updates.

"Sadly, today, an incidence of bird flu has been confirmed on our estate," the alert said.

"Currently, we only have a case within the park, but we continue to monitor both the park and wider estate. We are working hard to limit the spread to the wider population by following Defra guidance and best practice."

Continuing, "We know many of you walk the park and value local and visiting birdlife, and we want to thank those of you who have reported seeing an ill or dead bird."

The day before, Witney Town Council reported that bird flu had been detected at the lake near Blenheim Palace after a dead swan was tested for avian flu and came back positive.

"Witney Town Council is saddened to confirm that a deceased swan retrieved from Witney Lake has tested positive for avian (bird) flu - Avian Influenza (H5N1)," a spokesman for the council stated.

"We know how much our community cares about the wildlife at the lake, and this news will be upsetting for man"

"Please do not attempt to collect or touch dead birds, or birds that appear sick or behaving unusually," the spokesperson added.