Birthdays are a big occasion for most of us, but things will be looking rather different for Jack Brooksbank this year. The father-of-two marked his 40th birthday on Sunday, but royal experts suggest that this major milestone will be a far cry from previous celebrations, quiet and focusing on family.
© Getty ImagesCelebrations will be different this year for Jack
This is especially poignant as the news came on Monday that Jack and Princess Eugenie are expecting their third child together. Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing Eugenie’s pregnancy, writing: “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 five) and Ernest (aged two) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family.
“His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.”
Ernest, wearing a Chelsea football kit, and August, wearing a long-sleeved grey t-shirt, hold a picture of a baby scan
Despite the happy news, celebrations this year will not be easy, as the York family continues to weather the storm brought about by their close association with convicted paedophile Jeffery Epstein. The Daily Mail reported that in light of the increased scrutiny on the family, Jack’s birthday will have been a low-key affair, and that Princess Eugenie’s husband has taken a step back from his previously buzzy social life in light of recent events.
While he may have grown up bartending, managing the popular London nightclub Mahiki and working as an ambassador for George Clooney’s tequila brand, Jack’s party days appear to be far behind him now.
The family’s move to Portugal in 2022 has further re-shaped their social environment, as distance and raising young children has necessitated a quieter calendar. The 40-year-old’s role in the property development company Discovery Land Company will also be keeping him busy, as well as the drinks business Jack set up in 2016 for the “wholesale of wine, beer, spirit and other alcoholic beverages”.
Undaunted by the ongoing spotlight on her family, Princess Eugenie took to social media to toast to her husband’s big day, sharing relaxed photographs of Jack at the beach, captioned “Happy 40th my love… here’s to another 16… xx”.
© InstagramThe couple looked very happy in photographs posted for Jack’s 40th
While the Brooksbank family are keeping a low profile for now, Eugenie’s recent return to social media may indicate a gradual return to public life.
What does the future hold for Beatrice and Eugenie?
Many royal watchers will be curious as to the future role of the Princesses of York following the release of the Epstein files. The relationship between Sarah Ferguson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein cast a long shadow over the royal sisters, and their own inclusion in the files, despite showing no wrongdoing, has cast doubt over their roles in The Firm moving forward.
© Getty ImagesAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson’s involvement with Jeffrey Epstein has cast a long shadow over the royal family
Royal expert Phil Dampier told HELLO! that perceptions towards the princesses have greatly shifted in the last few months. “If you remember last Christmas, when they were both invited to Sandringham, they were very much seen as the innocent victims. The King and Queen were metaphorically putting an arm around them.
“I think that has changed following Andrew’s arrest and mentions of them in the Epstein files. We sometimes refer to them as ‘girls’, but they are 37 and 35. Some of the stuff they’ve been doing recently in the Middle East has not been a good look.
“People will ask: ‘Are you trying to cash in on contacts that have been given to you by Andrew or Sarah?'”
Will Beatrice and Eugenie attend Ascot this year?
Phil added that Beatrice and Eugenie may be “too tarnished” to appear at staple royal events this summer like Ascot or one of the King’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace, while a friend close to the princesses told HELLO! that they may not wish to attend any events, preferring to continue keeping a low profile while under public scrutiny.
© Getty ImagesThe sisters have attended Ascot in previous years
While HELLO! can reveal that both sisters were invited to Ascot this year – a key moment in the royal calendar – it appears unlikely that they will attend. “The question is, would they want to go to a public event of that nature? They will get criticism whether they go or not – and not just that event. They just can’t win,” explained the friend.
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