Princess Eugenie’s decision to leave her mother, Sarah Ferguson, out of her newborn’s public reveal is drawing fresh commentary from royal watchers. The move comes amid the fallout from Ferguson’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Eugenie recently announced her daughter’s name, Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank, describing it as an honour to those she loves and admires. Ferguson was notably absent from the announcement and any accompanying imagery.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams addressed the omission in comments to the Daily Mail. He said the shift reflects a significant turn in how the family’s dynamics have evolved recently.
Fitzwilliams framed Eugenie’s decision as a protective one, suggesting that keeping her parents out of the announcement helped her avoid damaging her own public standing.
He also weighed in on the possibility of Ferguson eventually visiting Eugenie and the new baby in Portugal. According to Fitzwilliams, any such visit would likely go unnoticed publicly, suggesting it would happen quietly and draw little attention either way.
The commentary comes against the backdrop of Ferguson’s damaged reputation following revelations about her past correspondence with Epstein. Those revelations reportedly cost her several personal, professional and royal connections over the past year.
Despite the fallout, Ferguson had continued sharing personal milestones on social media throughout 2025. The exclusion from Eugenie’s baby announcement, however, appears to mark a more visible sign of distance within the family.
Fitzwilliams’ remarks add to the broader, ongoing conversation about how the Epstein-related fallout has reshaped relationships within the York family specifically. With Eugenie now navigating early motherhood largely without her mother’s public involvement, royal watchers will likely continue watching closely for any signs of reconciliation or continued distance in the months ahead.