Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie

LONDON — Buckingham Palace announced Monday that Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child together, due this summer, delighting royal watchers and marking another joyful chapter for the extended Windsor family. The news comes as the 36-year-old princess, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, continues balancing public duties with private family life alongside her two young sons.

In an official statement, the 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. His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news." The couple's sons, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, 5, and Ernest George Rupert Brooksbank, 2, are said to be "very excited" about welcoming a new sibling.

Princess Eugenie shared the happy news on her personal Instagram account with a sweet family photo showing her two boys holding up a sonogram image. She captioned it simply: "Baby Brooksbank due 2026!" followed by a string of red heart emojis and a baby emoji. The post quickly went viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of likes and congratulatory comments from fans and fellow royals within hours of its publication.

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The announcement marks the latest addition to King Charles III's growing roster of grandchildren. The new baby will be 15th in line to the British throne and the King's 15th great-grandchild. Sources close to the family say the pregnancy has progressed smoothly so far, with Eugenie feeling well and excited to expand her young family. The couple, who married in a private ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor in 2018, have maintained a relatively low public profile while focusing on raising their children away from intense media scrutiny.

Eugenie, known for her philanthropy and work with organizations supporting children and the arts, has spoken openly in the past about the joys and challenges of motherhood. Friends describe her as a devoted parent who prioritizes family time at their home in Portugal and the UK. Jack Brooksbank, a wine merchant and brand ambassador, has been equally hands-on with their two boys, often sharing glimpses of family adventures on social media.

The timing of the announcement coincides with a period of relative stability for the royal family following recent health challenges for senior members. King Charles and Queen Camilla are said to be thrilled, as are the Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, who maintain a close relationship with their daughter. Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Eugenie's warmth and accessibility compared to more senior royals.

Royal commentators note that Eugenie's growing family further cements her role as a modern working royal who balances public service with private happiness. Unlike some of her cousins, she has carved out a life that includes charitable work, business interests and family without the full weight of senior royal responsibilities. Her openness about mental health and motherhood has resonated with many young women navigating similar life stages.

The couple's two sons have occasionally appeared in family photos and at low-key royal events. August, born in 2021, and Ernest, born in 2023, are already showing distinct personalities, with Eugenie often describing them as energetic and curious. The new arrival, expected in the warmer months, will complete their young family and likely bring more joyful family moments shared selectively with the public.

This pregnancy comes after Eugenie's previous births, both of which were announced in similarly understated fashion. The couple has consistently chosen privacy for their children while still allowing fans occasional glimpses into their lives. Supporters appreciate this balanced approach, which contrasts with the more intense media attention faced by other royal parents.

As summer approaches, anticipation will build for the new royal baby's arrival. While details about the due date, gender (if known) and birth plans remain private, the family is expected to share limited updates when appropriate. In the meantime, well-wishers from around the world continue sending congratulations and positive messages to the growing Brooksbank household.

The news provides a welcome moment of celebration for the royal family and the British public amid ongoing global headlines. Princess Eugenie's expanding family reflects the next generation of younger royals building their own legacies while honoring tradition. For Eugenie and Jack, it marks another chapter of love, growth and new beginnings in their shared journey.