Princess Eugenie commemorated her son Ernest’s third birthday with a touching social media post, showcasing affectionate moments with him, although her parents, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, were notably absent from the photos. In the images, Eugenie is seen showering Ernie with kisses and capturing him engaged in various playful activities, including playing football and holding hands with his older brother August, presumed to be five years old. The post was accompanied by a heartfelt tribute to Ernie as Eugenie described him as a “fearless golden boy” with a captivating smile that lights up any room.
Numerous well-wishers flooded the comments section with birthday greetings for the young prince. The absence of any mention of Eugenie’s parents in the post or captions comes in the wake of previous reports suggesting that Eugenie and her sister Beatrice have distanced themselves from their parents due to their association with the scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew faced repercussions, including the loss of titles by royal decree and an arrest on suspicion of public office misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Investigations into Andrew’s alleged misconduct may now include claims of sexual impropriety. Despite denying any wrongdoing related to Epstein, the controversy has led to the princesses opting out of the traditional royal Easter gathering, as the scrutiny intensifies over their family’s connections.
Ernest, born in 2023, is now 14th in line to the throne, with August currently holding the 13th spot. Recently, Buckingham Palace announced that Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child, scheduled to arrive this summer. The royal family expressed joy over the impending arrival, with August and Ernie eagerly anticipating their new sibling’s arrival, as confirmed by the palace.
The new addition to the family will hold a significant place in the line of succession, marking the 15th in line to the throne, displacing the Duke of Edinburgh to the 16th spot. Additionally, the baby will become the 15th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the third to be born posthumously since 2022.
Moreover, the forthcoming child will be the fifth grandchild of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, following Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena Mapelli Mozzi’s birth in January last year. Buckingham Palace’s announcement of the pregnancy is seen as a gesture of support for Eugenie amidst the ongoing controversies surrounding her father.
Celebrating her husband’s 40th birthday, Eugenie shared beachside snapshots of Jack Brooksbank on her Instagram story, commemorating the milestone. The couple, who tied the knot at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in October 2018, continues to navigate the complexities of their royal and personal lives with grace and resilience.