The UK's newest baby is finally here, and it's a boy! Buckingham Palace has just confirmed the good news of Princess Eugenie giving birth this morning at Portland Hospital in London.
In a statement released on a social media platform, Instagram, this afternoon states, "Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie was safely delivered of a son today, 9th February 2021, at 0855hrs at The Portland Hospital. Jack Brooksbank was present."
It also states that the royal baby boy weighs 8lbs 1oz. Everyone in the royal family, including the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of York, as well as Sarah, Duchess of York, and Mr. and Mrs. George Brooksbank, have been informed about the birth and are all delighted with the news.
As of this writing, the statement reached 512,300 likes and is filled with congratulatory and love messages for the new parents.
Master Brooksbank is Princess Eugenie, 30, and Jack Brooksbank, 34, first child. They tied the knot in October 2018 at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
He is also the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York's first grandchild, and The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh's ninth great-grandchild.
The Palace then shared that both mother and baby are in good health following the delivery, yet the little boy's name has not been announced. In addition to a photo of the new parents' wedding day, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall tweeted their congratulations.
Naturally, Jack and Eugenie's parents and grandparents are enthusiastic about the newest member of their family. "The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of York, Sarah, Duchess of York, and Mr. and Mrs. George Brooksbank has been informed and is delighted with the news."
The New line of succession of the throne
The infant is the ninth great-grandchild for Queen Elizabeth, and the Duke of Edinburgh takes the role of the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward - the youngest son of the Queen - as the 11th in line to the throne, who has stepped down to 12th place.
Master Brooksbank will not be an HRH or wear a title even if his mother is a princess until the Queen wishes otherwise. This is because he was born inside the Royal Family's female line, making below the new throne succession line:
- The Prince of Wales
- The Duke of Cambridge
- Prince George of Cambridge
- Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
- Prince Louis of Cambridge
- The Duke of Sussex
- Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
- The Duke of York
- Princess Beatrice of York
- Princess Eugenie of York
- Eugenie's baby son
- The Earl of Wessex
It's uncertain when a name might be shared publicly, which has become a royal tradition. Victoria Arbiter, a Royals expert, said, "The reasoning is perhaps twofold. On the one hand, there's a desire to inform the families before a public declaration is made and any new parent appreciates having a little private time to get to know their new addition before the onslaught of announcements."
She added that "Royals, however, need to consider the great responsibility in naming a new family member, and they need to be a hundred percent sure of their choice before announcing the name and sealing the baby's place in history."
