Why Princess Eugenie’s baby announcement broke with long-standing royal tradition

Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle following their wedding at St. George's Chapel on October 12, 2018 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Princess Eugenie’s baby announcement delighted royal fans, but it seems that she broke with royal tradition when she posted a heartfelt picture on social media.

The newborn royal, who is the first child of Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank was born at 0855hrs on Tuesday, according to the official announcement made by the Royal Family.

However, this wasn’t the only reveal to come that day. Princess Eugenie took to social media herself to share the news along with a deeply personal photograph of the couple’s baby boy.

A photo posted by on

In her Instagram post, the proud new mum wrote simply:’💙💙💙!!’ as she posted a black and white photograph of her, Jack and their son’s hands touching. 

Royal fans were quick to congratulate the couple, with one commenting: ‘Ahhh welcome to the world little one!! Congratulations to the happy couple 👶🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️ ‘ 

Whilst another excitedly wrote: ‘Huge congratulations!😍Welcome to another baby boy in the family💙 ‘ 

What tradition did Princess Eugenie’s baby announcement break?

The Princess seems to have decided against the custom of having the first image of a new royal baby being taken on the steps of the hospital where they were born. 

This is something that Princess Eugenie’s late aunt, Princess Diana, did with both her sons outside the Lindo Wing. Prince William and Duchess Catherine later followed in her footsteps and did the same with all three of their children. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York was also photographed outside the hospital after giving birth to Princess Eugenie.

However, the Princess and Jack Brooksbank are not the first to decide against continuing this royal tradition. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex did not appear outside The Portland Hospital after their son Archie was born.

A photo posted by on

Instead, the couple chose to release the first photographs of him two days later and these featured the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, alongside the couple and their son. 

Princess Eugenie’s decision to share such a personal photograph of her new son and make her own announcement could perhaps indicate a change to royal tradition. 

Her cousin Zara Tindall is currently pregnant with her third child, so it remains to be seen how this next royal arrival - who will be a tenth great-grandchild for the Queen - will be announced. 

We can’t wait! 

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.