Royal watchers were quick to react after King Charles and Queen Camilla publicly celebrated Princess Eugenie’s pregnancy, with some questioning why the couple spotlighted a non-working royal.
The reaction has only intensified due to Eugenie’s close ties to her parents, former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, both of whom remain under renewed scrutiny over their past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
Still, royal experts suggest the baby news could offer a rare moment of positive attention for the York family. Some even believe it may serve as a “turning point,” potentially softening public perception of Andrew and Ferguson at a time when their reputations remain under pressure.
Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy Could Serve As A ‘Turning Point’ For Andrew
Both Andrew and Ferguson have largely kept a low profile in recent months. The Duke of York is said to be living a quieter life away from public duties, while Ferguson has also stayed out of the spotlight.
However, royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner suggested Princess Eugenie’s baby news could signal a shift for the embattled pair.
“Eugenie is very popular within the royal household, and she stepped up alongside Princess Beatrice when senior royals were unable to carry out engagements,” Turner told Fox News Digital.
He added that the pregnancy could represent a “turning point” for Andrew and Ferguson, potentially offering them a chance to step further away from controversy and embrace a quieter chapter focused on family.
King Charles Celebrates Eugenie’s Pregnancy News
Buckingham Palace, on behalf of King Charles, confirmed Princess Eugenie’s pregnancy in a social media post celebrating the news with a sweet family touch.
The announcement featured a photo of Eugenie’s two sons holding an ultrasound image, alongside a statement 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.”
The Palace added that the couple’s children, August and Ernest, are “very excited” to welcome a new sibling, while noting that the King has been informed and is “delighted” by the update.
Royal Fans Call Out Charles Over Princess Eugenie Post
Royal watchers quickly took to social media to question why Charles chose to publicly celebrate Eugenie’s pregnancy, despite her status as a non-working royal.
Some critics pointed out that the monarch has remained noticeably silent on other family milestones, including the birthdays of Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s recent wedding anniversary.
On Reddit, one user speculated, “It’s a not-so-subtle message to counter reports that the family wants nothing to do with the York girls after the Andrew situation.”
Others tied the move to the ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew’s past association with Epstein, suggesting the timing of the post felt deliberate.
“Maybe they’re hoping people have forgotten and that baby news will shift public sentiment,” another commenter wrote.
Royal Expert Warns Eugenie News Could Refocus Spotlight On Andrew
Not everyone believes the pregnancy news will work in the York family’s favor. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that while the announcement is joyful, it could ultimately bring renewed attention to Andrew and Sarah.
“This is very happy news for Eugenie, and we must wish her and Jack Brooksbank well,” Fitzwilliams said to Fox Digital. “The way she revealed it on Instagram was delightful. However, inevitably, it means that attention will return to the Yorks.”
He pointed to past family moments where Andrew and Ferguson deliberately stayed out of the spotlight, including Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena’s christening last December.
According to Fitzwilliams, the same approach may be necessary this time, though it may not be enough to avoid scrutiny.
“They will have to keep a low profile with the new arrival,” he said, warning that media interest surrounding the York family is unlikely to ease anytime soon.
Princess Eugenie And Her Sister Didn’t Lose Their Royal Titles
Despite the controversies surrounding their parents, Eugenie and Beatrice have retained their royal titles. However, neither serves as a full-time working royal.
Both sisters also remain in the line of succession to the British throne. Beatrice is currently ninth in line, followed by her daughters, Sienna and Athena, in tenth and 11th positions.
While their royal roles remain limited, their titles and positions within the monarchy continue to keep them firmly in the public eye.