The happy news that Princess Eugenie is expecting her third child will mark another major milestone for the British Royal Family.
The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Monday (4 May), where she shared a sweet snap of her two sons, August and Ernest, who she shares with husband Jack Brooksbank, looking at the ultrasound.
“Baby Brooksbank due 2026!” the royal wrote in the caption.
The announcement also cemented Princess Eugenie’s return to social media following a six-month break.
She shared her first post since November the day prior (3 May), to celebrate marketing executive Brooksbank’s 40th birthday – a lovely snap of her eldest son playing with his father on the beach.
Princess Eugenie shared the joyous news on Monday (Instagram/@princesseugenie)
It’s not just Eugenie’s return to Instagram that has set tongues wagging, however, but the fact that her third baby will inherit a unique trait, held only by one other member of the monarchy.
The incoming arrival’s cousin, Athena – daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi – became the first Royal Family member to be part of Generation Beta.
The tot was born in January of last year, making her part of a generation of babies born between 2025 and 2039 that could end up being the first generation to live into the 22nd century.
Eugenie’s third child will also be born into this generation, whom demographer and consultant Mark McCrindle previously predicted would ‘grow up in a world shaped by breakthroughs in technology, evolving social norms, and an increasing focus on sustainability and global citizenship’.
Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena is the first royal to form part of Generation Beta (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
In a blog post shared last year, he estimated: “Generation Beta will also inherit a world grappling with major societal challenges. With climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanisation at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation.
“This generation will be raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents, many of whom prioritise adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting.”
He added that Gen Bs will be ‘more globally minded, community-focused, and collaborative than ever before’ as their upbringing will ’emphasise the importance of innovation not just for convenience, but for solving the pressing challenges of their time’.
For now, however, all we can hope for is that the forthcoming addition to the Royal Family makes their arrival safely.
Taking to the comments of Eugenie’s heartwarming announcement, one fan gushed: “Congratulations to you and your family.. exciting times ahead for the Brooksbanks.” Another added: “Congratulations! So happy for you all.”