Princess Eugenie Announces Third Child, Due 2026

Key facts

• Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child.
• The baby is due in 2026.
• Their two sons, August (aged five) and Ernest (aged two), are excited for a sibling.
• The new arrival will be 15th in line to the throne.
• King Charles has been informed and is delighted with the news.
• Princess Eugenie announced the news on Instagram with a photo of her sons holding a baby scan.
• The couple married in October 2018 and welcomed their first child in February 2021.

Royal Family Welcomes New Addition

Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are preparing to welcome their third child, Buckingham Palace announced. The news, shared on social media, confirmed that "His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news." The couple's existing children, five-year-old August and two-year-old Ernest, are reportedly "very excited to have another sibling join the family." The announcement was also made by the princess herself on her Instagram account. She posted a touching image of her young sons holding a baby scan, with the caption "Baby Brooksbank due 2026!" accompanied by red hearts and a baby emoji. This marks another significant moment for the growing family, who married in October 2018.

Line of Succession and Family Ties

The upcoming arrival will be the 15th in line to the throne, shifting the position of their great-uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, to 16th place. This new addition will be the fifth grandchild for Princess Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former prince, who was stripped of his royal titles and honours by King Charles last year, has faced scrutiny following further details emerging about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Background of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's troubles intensified after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Correspondence within the Epstein files suggested he may have passed on sensitive trade information. He was released under investigation and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Both Princess Eugenie, her sister Princess Beatrice, and their mother Sarah Ferguson have been mentioned in documents released by the US Department of Justice. However, being named in these files does not indicate any wrongdoing.

The Couple's Journey to Parenthood

Princess Eugenie, aged 36, and Brooksbank first met on the ski slopes of Verbier, Switzerland, during a trip to celebrate her father's 50th birthday. Their union was solemnised on October 12, 2018, in Windsor. The couple welcomed their first son, August Philip Hawke, in February 2021. Their family expanded again in May 2023 with the birth of their second son, Ernest George Ronnie, shortly after King Charles's coronation. The princess has recently taken a quieter approach to public life, making this announcement a surprise for many.

Resignation from Charity Patronage

The surprise announcement of the pregnancy follows Princess Eugenie's resignation from her role as patron of the anti-slavery charity, Anti-Slavery International, after seven years. A statement from the charity confirmed the end of her patronage. This decision came weeks after her father's arrest on his 66th birthday, linked to his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein and accusations of passing confidential trade documents.

A New Chapter for the Brooksbank Family

As Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank prepare for the arrival of their third child, the news brings a moment of personal joy amidst broader family complexities. The upcoming addition will not hold the title of HRH, reflecting the couple's status outside of working royal duties. The announcement underscores a period of personal milestone for the couple, even as the wider royal narrative continues to unfold.

The bottom line

• Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child, with the baby due in 2026.
• King Charles has been informed and is delighted by the news.
• The new arrival will be 15th in line to the British throne.
• The couple's sons, August and Ernest, are reportedly excited about becoming older brothers.
• Princess Eugenie announced the pregnancy on Instagram, sharing a photo of her sons with a baby scan.
• This announcement comes after Eugenie's recent resignation from her patronage of Anti-Slavery International.