Jack Brooksbank, husband of Princess Eugenie, marked his 40th birthday on Sunday with a subdued celebration, royal experts report. The low-key affair comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the York family's association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the couple's move to Portugal in 2022 and focus on raising their two young sons.
The birthday news coincided with Monday's announcement from Buckingham Palace that Princess Eugenie is expecting their third child, due this summer. The palace statement noted that the King has been informed and is delighted. However, the Daily Mail reported that increased scrutiny has led Brooksbank to step back from his previously active social life, which once included bartending at Mahiki and working as an ambassador for George Clooney's tequila brand.
Brooksbank now works in property development with Discovery Land Company and runs a drinks business he founded in 2016. Princess Eugenie shared relaxed beach photos on social media to mark the occasion, captioned: 'Happy 40th my love… here's to another 16… xx'. Royal watchers see this as a potential gradual return to public life.
The Epstein scandal continues to cast a shadow over the York family. Royal expert Phil Dampier told HELLO! that perceptions of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have shifted since their father Andrew's arrest and mentions in the Epstein files. He suggested they may be 'too tarnished' for major royal events like Ascot or King Charles's garden parties this summer.
A friend close to the princesses confirmed both were invited to Ascot but said they may choose not to attend, fearing criticism either way. 'They just can't win,' the friend explained.
