Princess Eugenie has shared a touching social media post to celebrate her younger son Ernest's third birthday, releasing unseen family photographs that capture tender moments with the young royal.
Birthday Tribute to 'Fearless Golden Boy'
Eugenie, 36, posted a series of images on Instagram showing her giving Ernie a big kiss, playing football, holding hands with his older brother August, five, and playing with balloons. In a heartfelt caption, she described her son as a 'tiger loving, hat wearing, constantly hugging, fearless golden boy Ernie,' adding: 'You light up every room with your deep voice and infectious smile.'
Hundreds of well-wishers commented on the post, wishing the young royal a happy birthday. Ernie was 13th in line to the throne at birth in 2023 and is now 14th, while August is currently 13th.
Third Child on the Way
Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace announced that Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child, due this summer. The King was 'delighted' with the news, and August and Ernie were 'very excited' to welcome a sibling. In a separate Instagram post, Eugenie shared a photo of the boys holding a baby scan picture with the caption 'Baby Brooksbank due 2026!'
The new baby will be 15th in line to the throne, moving their great uncle the Duke of Edinburgh to 16th place. He or she will also be the 15th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the third born since her death in 2022. The child will be the fifth grandchild of the former Duke and Duchess of York, following Princess Beatrice's daughter Athena Mapelli Mozzi born in January last year.
Family Support Amid Controversy
The announcement from Buckingham Palace is seen as a show of support for Eugenie despite the ongoing controversy surrounding her father, Prince Andrew. Andrew was stripped of his titles by the King and arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He denies any wrongdoing. Eugenie and her sister Beatrice stayed away from the traditional royal Easter gathering with Charles's agreement amid the furore.
The princesses have faced scrutiny after their names appeared in the Epstein files, with one email suggesting their mother Sarah took them to see Epstein in the US days after his release from prison for child sex crimes. Eugenie and Beatrice were 19 and 20 at the time.
Jack Brooksbank celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday, with Eugenie sharing a photo of him relaxing on a beach with the caption 'happy 40th my love.' The couple married in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in October 2018.
