Princess Eugenie shares private family pictures to mark the birthday of Ernest

Before Princess Eugenie becomes a mother of three, she's celebrating her son's third birthday! The granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth honoured her second boy, Ernest, as he turned three on 30 May by utilising a contemporary, highly relatable method: an Instagram post.

The 36-year-old royal uploaded a collection of four distinct photographs onto her public social media profile, whilst using the accompanying text to reveal fresh details regarding the toddler's favourite activities and characteristics.

"Happy 3rd birthday to my tiger loving, hat wearing, constantly hugging, fearless golden boy Ernie," the proud mom wrote. "You light up every room with your deep voice and infectious smile."

The previously unreleased images featured a heartwarming snapshot of the royal mother sharing a gentle kiss with Ernest, alongside a photograph that included his elder sibling, August, clasped hand-in-hand with his brother.

Two separate portraits depicted Ernie by himself, with one capturing the youngster kicking a football and the other showing him interacting with blue and green balloons.

Expanding the Brooksbank Household

This joyful domestic milestone takes place just as the royal and her spouse, Jack Brooksbank, get ready to welcome their third child.

Official representatives at Buckingham Palace broke the news of the pregnancy via a formal announcement published on 4 May.

The text 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 5) and Ernest (aged 2) 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 identical update was simultaneously published directly on the digital page of the princess, alongside a portrait showing her two young boys displaying a medical scan printout. In the description, she added, "Baby Brooksbank due 2026!"

Though the youngsters raised by the royal mother do not possess formal aristocratic designations, they retain their specific places in the order of inheritance behind her.

The princess currently occupies the 12th position, with her two young sons following directly after her, meaning the upcoming infant will secure the 15th spot in the line of succession to the British throne.

Family Turmoil and Shielding the Next Generation

This happy household development occurs during a highly destabilising period for the broader family circle. During October 2025, King Charles stripped her parents, the former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, of their royal titles and longtime residence as newly released files revealed the depth of their alleged ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and Ferguson has not been accused of any.

Subsequently, in February, law enforcement officials arrested Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to a claim that he shared confidential information with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy for the U.K.

In the wake of this law enforcement action, a close associate disclosed to the media that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were intentionally attempting to distance themselves from the public scandal engulfing their parents.

"They have young children, and this is their grandfather — their focus is on protecting their own children from this," the insider said.

Furthermore, a close companion of the household disclosed that the two sisters remain determined to preserve their current standing within the monarchy despite the ongoing friction.

"Cheeringly, they "want to hold on to their royal status," amid the turmoil. "It’s their identity," the source added.