Princess Eugenie Children: Inside The Modern Lives Of August And Ernest Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, have carved out a distinctively modern path for their two young sons, August and Ernest Brooksbank. Balancing global public fascination with a strict commitment to family privacy, the couple is redefining what it means to raise royal descendants in 2026.
| Detail | August Philip Hawke Brooksbank | Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 9, 2021 | May 30, 2023 |
| Age (2026) | 5 years old | 3 years old |
| Line of Succession | 12th in line to the British Throne | 13th in line to the British Throne |
| Royal Title Status | Master (No HRH or Royal Title) | Master (No HRH or Royal Title) |
| Birthplace | The Portland Hospital, London | The Portland Hospital, London |
Life Outside the Spotlight: Raising Royal Sons in Portugal and London
The Brooksbank family operates seamlessly across two countries, dividing their time between the United Kingdom and the coastal town of Melides, Portugal. Jack Brooksbank's executive position with the Discovery Land Company at the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club has allowed five-year-old August and three-year-old Ernest to spend much of their early childhood enjoying an active, outdoor lifestyle far removed from the British media spotlight.
Princess Eugenie periodically shares glimpses of their family life through social media, highlighting an upbringing rooted in environmental awareness and close family bonds. While the young boys occasionally attend high-profile royal gatherings—such as the annual Christmas walk at Sandringham—their daily routines remain remarkably grounded.
- August Philip Hawke Brooksbank was born in early 2021 and named after his great-great-great-great-grandfather Prince Albert (whose middle name was Augustus), his great-grandfather Prince Philip, and Jack's ancestor Rev. Edward Hawke.
- Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank arrived in May 2023, deriving his names from King George V (whose middle name was Ernest), his paternal grandfather George Brooksbank, and his maternal great-grandfather Ronald Ferguson.
Line of Succession and Royal Titles Explained
Despite being the great-grandsons of the late Queen Elizabeth II and grand-nephews to King Charles III, neither August nor Ernest holds a formal royal title or "His Royal Highness" (HRH) status. Under letters patent issued by King George V in 1917, royal titles pass automatically only through the male line of the monarch's children and grandchildren.
Because Princess Eugenie is a female descendant, her children do not automatically inherit peerages or royal styles. Eugenie and Jack reportedly preferred this arrangement from the beginning, aiming to grant their sons absolute career freedom and privacy later in life.
Key elements regarding their royal status include:
- Position in Line: August currently sits 12th in the succession line, while Ernest follows directly at 13th.
- Working Status: Neither child will ever be expected to perform official engagements on behalf of the Crown.
- Historical Precedent: Their private status mirrors the modern approach taken by Princess Anne for her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall.
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Modern Royal Parenting Blueprint in 2026 and Beyond
As August reaches primary school age in 2026 and Ernest moves further into his toddler years, Princess Eugenie continues to speak candidly about the values she hopes to instill in her children. The co-founder of The Anti-Slavery Collective frequently emphasizes sustainability and ocean conservation in public forums, noting that motherhood significantly heightened her commitment to climate activism.
Looking forward, royal observers expect the Brooksbank family to maintain their private lifestyle, making only landmark appearances alongside their grandmother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and the wider royal family. By prioritizing private education and international living, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have established a clear blueprint for non-working royals in the modern era.
