royal family

Princess Eugenie gives sweet glimpse into family life and her role as a mother


Eugenie has largely maintained a low profile, choosing to highlight personal family moments/


Princess Eugenie gives sweet glimpse into family life and her role as a mother© Princess Eugenie/IG
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
JUNE 2, 2026 10:59 AM EDT

Princess Eugenie is offering royal watchers a rare glimpse into her private family life.

The daughter of former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson celebrated the third birthday of her youngest son, Ernest "Ernie" Brooksbank, by sharing a collection of previously unseen photographs on her personal Instagram account, giving followers an intimate look at the little boy's personality and his close bond with family.

Princess Eugenie shares a sweet embrace with son Ernest in a tender autumn moment.© Princess Eugenie/IG
Princess Eugenie shares a sweet embrace with son Ernest in a tender autumn moment.

In a heartfelt caption, Eugenie described her son as her "tiger loving, hat wearing, constantly hugging, fearless golden boy," adding that he lights up every room with his "deep voice and infectious smile."

The carousel of photos highlighted several sweet moments from Ernest's childhood.

In one image, the youngster is seen playing with blue and green balloons while wearing his signature blue baseball cap.

Princess Eugenie is offering royal watchers a rare glimpse into her private family life. © Princess Eugenie/IG
Princess Eugenie is offering royal watchers a rare glimpse into her private family life.

Another shows him enthusiastically kicking a soccer ball, once again sporting the familiar hat that has become something of a trademark in family photos.

One of the most touching snapshots captured Ernest walking hand in hand with his older brother, August, offering a glimpse of the close relationship between the royal siblings.

 Princess Eugenie currently stands 12th in line to the British throne, followed by August in 13th place and Ernest in 14th, while the couple's third child is expected to take the 15th position.© Princess Eugenie/IG
Princess Eugenie currently stands 12th in line to the British throne, followed by August in 13th place and Ernest in 14th, while the couple's third child is expected to take the 15th position.

The final image featured a tender mother-son moment as Eugenie held Ernest beneath a canopy of vibrant autumn leaves while the pair shared a kiss.

The birthday celebration carries extra significance for the Brooksbank family, as it marks Ernest's final birthday as the youngest child in the household.

A glimpse into the family life Princess Eugenie has built away from royal duties.© Princess Eugenie/IG
A glimpse into the family life Princess Eugenie has built away from royal duties.

Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are expecting their third child together. The baby is due later this summer and will join brothers August and Ernest.

Eugenie announced the happy news on May 4 through both an official Buckingham Palace statement and a matching Instagram post.

The announcement featured a sweet photograph of August and Ernest holding an ultrasound scan, giving royal fans an early glimpse of the family's excitement ahead of welcoming their newest arrival.

Princess Eugenie continues to share special family milestones with royal fans.© Princess Eugenie/IG
Princess Eugenie continues to share special family milestones with royal fans.

When the baby is born, the line of succession will shift slightly. Princess Eugenie currently stands 12th in line to the British throne, followed by August in 13th place and Ernest in 14th, while the couple's third child is expected to take the 15th position.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Ernest, whose birthday tribute revealed a playful, affectionate and adventurous side of royal family life rarely seen by the public.

While Eugenie tends to keep much of her family life out of the spotlight, the birthday tribute offered a glimpse into the world she has built away from official royal duties.

Princess Eugenie's baby is due later this summer and will join brothers August and Ernest.© Princess Eugenie/IG
Princess Eugenie's baby is due later this summer and will join brothers August and Ernest.

In recent years, the princess has focused on raising her children, frequently sharing only occasional snapshots of family milestones and everyday moments.

The post also arrives amid renewed public attention surrounding her father, former Prince Andrew, whose controversies have continued to cast a shadow over the York family.

Despite the scrutiny, Eugenie has largely maintained a low profile, choosing instead to highlight personal family moments and charitable work, with her latest tribute putting the focus firmly on her growing family and her role as a mother.