Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have sent royal watchers into a frenzy with the announcement they are expecting their third child this summer.
The King is “delighted” with the news, according to a palace spokesman, while there is no word yet from the princess’s parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
The former Duke and Duchess of York have barely been seen in public since Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, amid the scandal surrounding his friendship with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Eugenie and her sister Beatrice stayed away from the traditional royal gathering on Easter Sunday, with the agreement of Charles, amid the furore over their father.
The announcement from Buckingham Palace may be seen as a show of support for Eugenie despite the troubles surrounding her father.
Princess Eugenie, 36, and her husband Jack, 40, are already parents to sons August, five, and Ernest, two, who are said to be “very excited” to welcome a younger sibling.
In a photograph on Instagram, Ernest, wearing a Chelsea football kit, and August, wearing a long-sleeved grey t-shirt, can be seen holding a picture of a baby scan.
Eugenie posted: “Baby Brooksbank due 2026!” followed by a series of red heart emojis and one of a baby.
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In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their third child together, due this summer.
“August (aged five) and Ernest (aged two) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family.
“His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.”
The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 15th in line to the throne, with their great uncle the Duke of Edinburgh, moving down to 16th place.
English