Princess Eugenie showcased her growing baby bump earlier this week as she left an exclusive Mayfair member's club following a private dinner hosted by a Dubai-based company. The youngest daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was spotted leaving Oswald's on Tuesday evening with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, after attending a dinner party for Discovery Dunes.
Described as 'Dubai's first private members-only golf residential community for families', the multi-million-dollar luxury development is being marketed by Discovery Land Company, where Jack, 40, works in marketing and sales. The couple were joined by filmmaker Guy Ritchie and his wife, Jacqui Ainsley, while former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff and his spouse were also seen departing the prestigious venue.
This public appearance comes amid the ongoing controversies surrounding Eugenie's parents' ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and following the announcement that she is expecting her third child. For the occasion, the princess opted for a small black cocktail dress with heels and Sophie Lis earrings, paired with a bold pre-loved silky red Galvan coat. The stylish item was previously worn by Eugenie at a 2018 premiere, and later borrowed by her older sister, Princess Beatrice, the following year.
Eugenie, 36, has extensive business and social connections to the Middle East. She was reportedly seen with her mother, Sarah Ferguson, in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. In February, she attended a high-end contemporary art fair in Doha as part of her role as a director of art dealer Hauser & Wirth, marking her first public appearance since the release of new Epstein files that engulfed the former House of York.
Despite the deepening scandal, Eugenie smiled as model Caroline Daur placed a comforting arm around her. Earlier this month, Eugenie announced she and Jack were expecting their third child with an adorable image of their two sons holding a baby scan picture. Buckingham Palace officials revealed that the couple's sons, August, five, and Ernest, two, are 'very excited' to welcome a younger sibling.
A Buckingham Palace statement read: '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 five) and Ernest (aged two) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family. His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.' The baby, who will not hold an HRH title, will be born 15th in line to the throne, moving their great-uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh, to 16th place.
The announcement from the monarch's own office is seen as a show of support for Eugenie despite her father's troubles. King Charles expressed his delight, but notably omitted any mention of the child's grandparents. Andrew, the King's brother, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February amid the Epstein scandal. Eugenie and Beatrice stayed away from the traditional royal Easter gathering, with Charles's agreement, due to the furore over their father.
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 shortly after his release from prison for child sex crimes. Eugenie and Beatrice were 19 and 20 at the time. Despite trying to maintain a low profile, the sisters have been seen at high-profile events recently, including Poppy Delevingne's 40th birthday party in London.
Eugenie's baby bump was proudly displayed beneath a black dress paired with an electric purple mac as Jack beamed at her side. Beatrice was also all smiles as she entered the Hart pub with her spouse, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The sisters were spotted enjoying spring sunshine in central London last month after lunch at the exclusive Soho Mews House in Mayfair. Hours later, Eugenie enjoyed a date night with Jack at a Michelin-starred bistro in Notting Hill.
A royal source told the Daily Mail that Beatrice, in particular, has found herself walking a tightrope between filial loyalty and preserving her status within the Royal Family. Eugenie, meanwhile, is said to have taken a harder line against her father, though she reportedly helped her mother with accommodation in Doha during a work trip in February. Eugenie also attended the high-society wedding of Sir Rocco Forte's son Charles in Sicily a week ago, wearing a black gown at the Cathedral of Montreale.
