Princess Eugenie Expecting Third Child as Royal Family Navigates Scrutiny

Key facts

• Princess Eugenie, 36, is pregnant with her third child, due in summer 2026.
• The baby will be 15th in line to the British throne, moving ahead of Prince Edward.
• Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank married in October 2018 at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
• Their sons August (5) and Ernest (2) are 'very excited' about the new sibling.
• King Charles III has been informed and is 'delighted' with the news.
• The announcement came one day after Brooksbank's 40th birthday.
• Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of royal titles and arrested in connection with the Epstein scandal.

A Royal Baby on the Way

Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are expecting their third child, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday. The baby is due this summer, with the palace stating that King Charles III has been informed and is 'delighted' with the news. Eugenie, 36, shared the announcement on Instagram with a photo of her sons August, 5, and Ernest, 2, holding an ultrasound image. 'Baby Brooksbank due 2026!' she wrote, adding red hearts and a baby emoji. The couple's two sons are 'also very excited to have another sibling join the family,' the palace said. The timing of the announcement added a celebratory layer, coming just one day after Brooksbank turned 40. Eugenie marked his birthday by sharing rare family photos on social media.

Line of Succession and Royal Protocols

The new arrival will be 15th in line to the British throne, moving ahead of their great-uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. Like Eugenie's other children, the baby will not hold the title of His or Her Royal Highness (HRH), as only the monarch's children and grandchildren automatically receive that style. The child will be the fifth grandchild for Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew. The palace's statement noted that King Charles, Eugenie's uncle, is delighted by the news, underscoring the continued familial bonds despite recent upheavals.

Family Milestones Amid Scrutiny

The pregnancy announcement comes at a complicated time for the royal family, as Eugenie's father faces ongoing legal and reputational challenges. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles, styles, and honors by King Charles last year after further details of his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein emerged. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after correspondence in the Epstein files suggested he may have passed on sensitive trade information. After spending 11 hours in custody, he was released under investigation and has denied any wrongdoing. Eugenie, her sister Princess Beatrice, and their mother Sarah Ferguson are repeatedly mentioned in the documents released by the US Department of Justice, though being named in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing.

Eugenie's Growing Family: A Timeline

Eugenie and Brooksbank's journey together began long before their expanding family. The couple got engaged in January 2018 after seven years of dating and married later that year in a high-profile ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, attended by senior royals including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. They welcomed their first son, August Philip Hawke, in February 2021, followed by Ernest George Ronnie in May 2023, shortly after King Charles' coronation. Eugenie has shared the special meaning behind Ernest's full name, noting he is named after his great-great-great-grandfather George, his Grandpa George, and her Grandpa Ronald. Their family life has continued to evolve alongside their careers and living arrangements.

Parenthood and Personal Reflections

Although Eugenie has kept details about her children private over the years, she has previously shared her hopes for her eldest son. In a 2022 essay for The Spectator, she wrote of Queen Elizabeth II: 'I'd love Augie to have her patience, her calmness and her kindness, while always being able to laugh at himself and keep a twinkle in his eye.' She has also spoken about how parenthood has shaped her outlook. In 2023, she told Reuters of her first baby: 'Every decision we now make has to be for August, what he's going to be able to look at and do and how he's going to live his life.' For Ernest, she has expressed similar affection, calling him 'my golden boy' in a 2025 Instagram post.

What Comes Next

The palace has not disclosed the exact due date, only confirming that the baby is expected this summer. As the royal family continues to navigate both joyful milestones and persistent scrutiny, Eugenie's announcement serves as a reminder of the personal lives unfolding behind the headlines. The baby's arrival will mark another addition to the younger generation of royals, who are gradually reshaping the monarchy's public image. For now, the focus remains on the family's private celebration, with King Charles's approval signaling a measure of unity within the House of Windsor.

The bottom line

• Princess Eugenie is expecting her third child with Jack Brooksbank, due in summer 2026.
• The baby will be 15th in line to the throne and will not hold an HRH title.
• King Charles has been informed and is delighted by the news.
• The announcement comes amid ongoing legal issues for Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
• Eugenie's sons August and Ernest are excited about the new sibling.
• The couple's family life continues to evolve against a backdrop of royal scrutiny.