Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor learned of his youngest daughter Princess Eugenie's third pregnancy through his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, according to an inside source. Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child, due in summer 2026.
Eugenie announced the news last week, with Buckingham Palace stating that King Charles is 'delighted' for his niece. Before the public announcement, Eugenie informed her closest family: her sister Beatrice and her mother Sarah. She left it to Sarah to relay the information to her father Andrew.
Estrangement from Father
A source told the Mail on Sunday: 'Andrew found out that he was to be a grandpa again via Sarah.' The insider also claimed that Eugenie has not spoken to her father since he was stripped of his titles and forced to vacate the Royal Lodge in October last year.
Apprehension About Informing the King
When it came to telling the King, Eugenie was reportedly anxious about how the news would be received due to the ongoing scandal surrounding her parents' involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. She only decided to inform the monarch after being urged by her cousin Zara Tindall, who persuaded her to write a letter. According to the Mail, Eugenie sent an Easter card with a carefully written letter to her uncle.
'She and Jack were quite surprised by the warmth of the Palace response,' the insider added, noting that the King feels protective of his nieces. The couple had feared a frosty reception and considered making a media announcement without Palace involvement, but the King made contact and asked officials to make a formal announcement.
Social Media Announcement
The couple shared the news on social media with a photo of their sons August and Ernest looking at an ultrasound, captioned: 'Baby Brooksbank due 2026!' with heart emojis. Buckingham Palace confirmed: '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 5) and Ernest (aged 2) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family. His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.'
Royal Commentator's View
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented: 'Eugenie has been under considerable strain since the Epstein scandal blew up. She has watched her parents face public humiliation and separation, she herself has been in the headlines over her acquaintance with Epstein, and her father is still under police investigation. But she has her man, her sons and a new life on the way — and they, I’m sure, are now the centre of her world.'
