Princess Eugenie is maintaining an active social media presence despite the scandal surrounding her family following the release of the Epstein files. The 36-year-old royal has continued sharing glimpses of her life on Instagram, even as controversy engulfs her parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
Both Eugenie and her sister, Princess Beatrice, 37, were mentioned in the files, though being named does not imply any wrongdoing. Eugenie, who is expecting her third child, has focused on family content, posting about her husband Jack Brooksbank and their sons, August, five, and Ernest, three.
On Monday, Eugenie marked Ernest's third birthday with a heartfelt tribute, sharing family photos and writing: 'Happy 3rd birthday to my tiger loving, hat wearing, constantly hugging, fearless golden boy Ernie. You light up every room with your deep voice and infectious smile.'
Royal commentator Tom Sykes believes the post serves a broader purpose. Writing in his Substack newsletter The Royalist, Sykes suggested Eugenie is using social media to 'regain some control of her own story' as public attention on the York family intensifies. He noted that both sisters are focused on protecting their children from the fallout of their father's scandals, with Eugenie particularly keen to distance herself.
Sykes argued that Eugenie's pregnancy announcement, also made via Instagram, helps present a narrative centered on motherhood and family. 'The pregnancy, due this summer and set to make the new baby 15th in line to the throne, is also likely to bring fresh attention to the York family,' he wrote. 'Against that backdrop, her posts can be read as an effort to appear more relatable and human to the public.'
Sykes also claimed Eugenie did not personally tell Andrew about the pregnancy, instead relying on her mother to pass on the news. Andrew remains under investigation by Thames Valley Police over allegations including misconduct in public office, potential corruption, and sexual misconduct. Recent reports involve an alleged incident at Royal Ascot in 2002, where a waitress accused him of inappropriate behavior. Police are examining the matter.
The renewed scrutiny has reportedly left both Beatrice and Eugenie facing a difficult chapter, with Sykes writing that the sisters are said to be 'mortified all over again' by the latest allegations.
