Growing Up Royal: Inside The Lives Of Princess Eugenie’s Children, August And Ernest Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie’s family remains a subject of intense global fascination as her two young sons navigate their unique positions on the periphery of the British Royal Family. Born to Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, August Brooksbank and Ernest Brooksbank represent a new, modern era of non-titled royals. As of August 18, 2026, the Brooksbank boys are growing up fast, splitting their time between the United Kingdom and sunny Portugal.
| Child | Full Name | Date of Birth | Age (August 2026) | Succession Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Brooksbank | August Philip Hawke Brooksbank | February 9, 2021 | 5 years old | 12th in line |
| Ernest Brooksbank | Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank | May 30, 2023 | 3 years old | 13th in line |
A Modern Royal Upbringing: How Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank Raise Their Sons
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have consciously crafted a grounded lifestyle for their children. Unlike their royal cousins, August and Ernest do not hold official HRH titles, a deliberate choice that allows them more privacy. The family famously splits their residence between the exclusive CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club in Melides, Portugal, and their UK base at Ivy Cottage within Kensington Palace.
This dual-country lifestyle offers the boys a healthy balance of Mediterranean freedom and traditional British upbringing. Princess Eugenie frequently shares glimpses of their outdoor adventures on social media, emphasizing a deep connection to nature and environmental conservation. This relaxed approach highlights a broader trend among younger royals prioritizing mental well-being and privacy over rigid protocol.
Succession Standings and Public Appearances: What to Know
Despite their lack of official royal titles, August and Ernest Brooksbank remain significant figures in the British line of succession. August holds the 12th position, while his younger brother Ernest occupies the 13th spot, directly behind their mother. Because they are private citizens, they do not carry out official royal duties, which grants them the freedom to pursue independent careers in the future.
Public sightings of the brothers are rare but highly celebrated by royal enthusiasts.
- August's Debut: He made his major public debut during the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in 2022, waving to crowds in a Union Jack sweater.
- Family Milestones: Eugenie regularly marks milestones, such as birthdays and Earth Day, with candid photographs showing the brothers bonding in nature.
- Private Ceremonies: The children are occasionally seen attending private family events, including low-profile royal christenings and holiday gatherings at Sandringham.
Princess Eugenie Enjoys a Fun Festive Day With Her Kids Amid Ex-Prince ...
Looking Ahead: Schooling and the Next Generation in 2026
With August Brooksbank now five years old, his education has become a primary focus for the Brooksbank family. He is currently navigating his early primary school years, likely attending a school that accommodates the family's frequent travel between the UK and Portugal. Meanwhile, three-year-old Ernest is enjoying his toddler years, often seen in family photos trailing eagerly behind his big brother.
As the British monarchy continues to streamline under King Charles III, the positioning of non-working royals like Eugenie’s children is increasingly vital. August and Ernest represent the modern face of the extended family—supportive of the crown but entirely self-sufficient. Fans can expect to see the brothers occasionally at major ceremonial events, but their day-to-day lives will remain firmly anchored in private, international childhoods.
