Princess Eugenie has shared a series of heartwarming photographs on social media to celebrate her son Ernest's third birthday, but the posts notably exclude her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. The 36-year-old royal posted images of herself kissing Ernest, known as Ernie, as well as him playing football and holding hands with his older brother August, five.
In a touching caption, Eugenie described Ernie as her "tiger loving, hat wearing, constantly hugging, fearless golden boy" who "lights up every room with your deep voice and infectious smile." The post attracted hundreds of birthday wishes from well-wishers.
The absence of Andrew and Sarah from the photos comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and arrested last year on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Eugenie and her sister Beatrice have also faced scrutiny after their names appeared in the Epstein files, with emails suggesting their mother brought them to visit Epstein shortly after his release from prison.
Ernest, who is 14th in line to the throne, was born in 2023. Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace announced that Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child, due this summer. The King has expressed delight at the news, and August and Ernest are said to be "very excited" about the new arrival.
