A Supportive Family Connection
Princess Eugenie recently turned to her cousin, Zara Tindall, for guidance before revealing her third pregnancy. This decision came at a time when the royal family was under significant public scrutiny. According to reports, Eugenie was apprehensive about how the news would be received, especially considering the challenging months surrounding her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February and the loss of her parents’ York titles.
Eugenie was contemplating making the announcement on her own terms, without any involvement from the palace. However, it was Zara, one of the few people who were initially entrusted with this special news, who encouraged her cousin to reach out directly to King Charles.
The two women have a close relationship and are often seen together at events like Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival, and private dinners around London. Eugenie took Zara’s advice and sent her uncle an Easter card along with a carefully written letter.
According to a royal source, “She and Jack were quite surprised by the warmth of the Palace response.” The couple had feared a frostier reception and had considered making a media announcement independently, but the King made contact and asked his officials to make a formal announcement.
The source noted that while Charles is said to feel protective towards his nieces, the couple had not seen much evidence of that in recent months, making the King’s warm response all the more unexpected.
Careful Timing of the Announcement
The formal announcement was also deliberately timed to ensure it didn’t overshadow the King and Queen’s recent overseas trip to the United States and Bermuda.
The Announcement on Social Media
The royal family took to Instagram on Monday, May 4, to announce the news, sharing a photograph of Eugenie’s two sons, August, five, and Ernest, two, holding an ultrasound scan.
“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,” the post read. “His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.”
The post also mentioned that August and Ernest are “very excited to have another sibling join the family.”
Princess Eugenie followed up with her own post on her Instagram account, sharing the same adorable photo of her sons holding the baby scan. For the post, she chose Justin Bieber’s song ‘Baby’ to play over it.
“Baby Brooksbank due 2026!” she wrote, followed by 10 heart emojis.
