Inside the Story of Joe Biden’s Seventh Granddaughter

She was born from a fleeting affair, became the center of a sealed courtroom saga, and for years existed without a name — until President Joe Biden finally broke his silence, recognizing her as his seventh grandchild.

For years, Joe Biden publicly spoke of having six grandchildren — a statement repeated time and time again — even after DNA tests and court rulings had confirmed a seventh child existed.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after the inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The glaring omission didn't go unnoticed. Critics and political opponents seized on the lack of acknowledgment, especially as the little girl, Navy Joan Roberts, remained a mystery in the eyes of the public — until July 2023, when the former president finally spoke out.

Navy Joan Roberts seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

In a carefully worded statement obtained by People magazine, the president finally acknowledged the child.

"Our son Hunter and Navy's mother, Lunden, are working together to foster a relationship that is in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward," stated Joe.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden at the opening night of "Othello" on Broadway in New York City on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

"This is not a political issue, it's a family matter," he added. "Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy."

Navy is the daughter of Hunter Biden and Lunden Roberts, an Arkansas woman who filed a paternity suit in 2019. A DNA test confirmed Hunter's paternity, igniting a lengthy court battle that wouldn't end until June 2023, when an Arkansas judge approved a confidential settlement.

Hunter Biden departs from the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Under the settlement, Hunter agreed to pay above-guideline child support, provide ongoing health insurance, and hand over original works of art to his daughter. Each painting is required to be at least 24-by-24 inches.

Hunter Biden during an event to celebrate the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House on September 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Navy will have the right to keep or sell them, with all proceeds from gallery sales wired directly to Lunden. Hunter must also submit annual tax returns and continue payments until Navy either turns eighteen and finishes high school, or until other conditions like marriage or emancipation arise.

Lunden Roberts and her daughter Navy Joan seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

This legal closure came after years of delays and contentious filings. Back in January 2020, Hunter agreed to pay an undisclosed sum in child support — including retroactive payments going back to November 2018.

But by April 2021, Lunden filed a motion for contempt, accusing Hunter of withholding evidence and defying court orders. That motion also sought payment of her legal fees, which were ultimately rolled into the 2023 settlement.

Lunden Roberts carries her daughter Navy Joan, as seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

Another striking detail? Lunden agreed to drop her legal bid to change Navy's last name to Biden. Although no college fund was created at the time, both parties pledged to revisit the matter within five years. The court retained jurisdiction, leaving the door open for future changes to the agreement.

Navy Joan Roberts seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

While the White House insisted the matter was strictly private, the ongoing silence from the president became a source of growing public criticism. According to CNN, advisers within Joe's circle worried the lack of recognition could tarnish the image of a close-knit family.

Lunden plays with Navy Joan Roberts seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

But few dared to raise the issue directly with him — out of respect for the president’s unwavering loyalty to Hunter. "There were also a lot of stakeholders involved — a lot of grandchildren, both children and adults — and a ton of sensitivities to navigate," a source familiar with the internal discussions said.

Lunden Roberts plays with her daughter Navy, seen in a post dated August 28, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

Despite fulfilling the court-ordered obligations, Hunter never pursued a personal relationship with his daughter. In his 2021 memoir, he addressed the encounter with Lunden, stating that he had no memory of it, as it occurred during a time of deep addiction.

"That's how little connection I had with anyone. I was a mess, but a mess I've taken responsibility for," he wrote.

In a raw interview with "60 Minutes Australia," Lunden spoke candidly about her daughter's place in the world.

"Not every little girl can run around and say, 'You know my grandpa is the president of the United States.' And that's an honor for someone to say. However, you know it's also a painful reminder that my child is being unacknowledged and not loved," she said.

When asked whether Navy was excluded from the Biden family, she responded simply, "It's tough."

Lunden made it clear: the relationship with Hunter was brief and never meant to continue. "There was never any me wanting back with him, but I knew the good that was in him, and I knew that, you know, he could be a good father to our child," she explained.

Lunden and Navy Joan Roberts seen in a post dated October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

She added that Navy looks just like him. "She has his eyes and that furrowed brow and everything else, you know, that comes with those eyes," she shared.

Recalling a moment when someone admired her daughter's striking features, she replied, "Do you watch CNN? Do you watch the news? You'll see them there."

Navy Joan Roberts seen in a post dated October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

Away from Washington and the headlines, Lunden pours her love into Instagram tributes, documenting birthdays with emotional captions and heartfelt photos.

On Navy's fifth birthday, she wrote, "My baby [...] I say it every year and I'll say it again- I've never been more grateful for God's will, for he knew how much my heart needed you. You're everything I could've hoped for, yet greater than anything I could've imagined."

One year later, she reiterated, "Being your mama is the greatest gift God has given me… I've never been more grateful for his will. I love you more than you will ever know."

And on Navy's seventh birthday in August 2025, she celebrated, "I thank God everyday for blessing me with something I never knew how much I needed — but on this day we celebrate you even more."

She ended with lyrics, "I can't stop the bullet, but I'll take one / I can't move a mountain, but I'll face one / One day we'll say, 'Where'd the years go?' / But I hope I'm always your hero."

Over the years, photos show Navy embraced by her maternal family. In October 2024, Lunden shared a charming anecdote about Navy and her grandfather.

The post read, "Navy Joan has convinced Pappy she is going to be a barrel racer… as long as he foots the bill for 'three good barrel racin' horses' and he has to 'shave a snake' for her snake skin boots."

Navy Joan Roberts seen with her maternal grandfather in a post dated October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lundentownn_

Much of Navy's life remains out of the public eye. Yet her story — once buried in court documents and political whispers — now sits at the crossroads of family, legacy, and public perception.