Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank will welcome their third child this summer, joining big brothers August and Ernest

Princess Eugenie and her son, Ernest.Credit : Princess Eugenie/Instagram

Before Princess Eugenie becomes a mother of three, she’s celebrating her son’s third birthday!

Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter celebrated her second son, Ernest, turning three on May 30 in a modern, relatable way: with an Instagram tribute. Eugenie, 36, shared a carousel of four photos on her personal social media page, while her caption shared new details about her son’s favorite things and personality.

“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 never-before-seen snaps included a sweet photo of Princess Eugenie and Ernest sharing a kiss, as well as an appearance from Ernest’s big brother, August, holding hands with his sibling. Two additional shots showed Ernie solo, one where he’s kicking a soccer ball and another where he plays with green and blue balloons.

Ernest (left) and August Brooksbank in a post on Princess Eugenie’s Instagram page.Princess Eugenie/Instagram

The family celebration comes as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank prepare to welcome their third child. Buckingham Palace revealed the pregnancy in a statement released on May 4 that 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 news was also shared on Princess Eugenie’s Instagram page alongside a photo of her two sons holding an ultrasound image. “Baby Brooksbank due 2026!” she wrote in the caption.

Although Princess Eugenie’s children don’t have royal titles, they follow her in the line of succession to the throne. Eugenie is currently in the 12th spot, followed by her two sons, and the new baby will be 15th in the line of succession.

Ernest Brooksbank in Princess Eugenie’s Instagram post.Princess Eugenie/Instagram

The baby news comes amid a tumultuous time for Princess Eugenie’s family. In 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.

In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to a claim that he shared confidential information with Epstei​​n during his time as a trade envoy for the U.K.

Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie on their wedding day on Oct. 12, 2018.Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty

Following the arrest, a source told PEOPLE that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were trying to “stay away” from the controversy surrounding their parents. “They have young children, and this is their grandfather — their focus is on protecting their own children from this,” the insider said.

A family friend also told PEOPLE that Beatrice and Eugenie “want to hold on to their royal status,” amid the turmoil. “It’s their identity,” the source added.

SOURCE: https://people.com/pregnant-princess-eugenie-shares-personal-family-photos-celebrate-son-ernest-3rd-birthday-11988050