Princess Eugenie: Buckingham Palace announce name of son
August Philip Hawke was born on February 9, which was the 19-year anniversary of Princess Margaret’s death. The Queen’s sister died of a stroke aged 71, just weeks before the Queen Mother in what was a very sad period for the royals. This means that for the Queen and other members of the family, this new birth has transformed this day from one of sadness and mourning to one of joy.
Pod Save the Queen is hosted by Ann Gripper and features Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers.
Mr Myers said after the baby announced: “I was also reminded that it was the day Princess Margaret died, so in terms of royal history, it’s turned on its head.
“It’s become a bit of a day for a happy occasion.”
Eugenie and Jack revealed the baby’s name yesterday along with the first proper baby pictures, after just a black-and-white snap of his hand previously.
READ MORE: Princess Eugenie’s midwife message as surprise photographer unveiled
Princess Eugenie’s new baby has changed royal history (Image: GETTY)
Princess Margaret was the Queen’s younger sister (Image: GETTY)
The couple defied precedent to pick the unusual name August, but bookmakers nailed the fact that Prince Philip was to get a tribute in the name.
One of August’s middle names is Philip, indicating the high regard Eugenie has for her grandfather.
It is particularly poignant at the moment, given that the Duke of Edinburgh is currently in hospital, amid fears for the 99-year-old’s health.
Yesterday, Prince Charles visited his father in hospital, which is only allowed in “exceptional circumstances”, according to the King Edward VI Hospital guidelines.
Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother in 2000 (Image: GETTY)
It is believed the Prince of Wales drove from Highgrove House in Gloucestershire and back for the visit.
Buckingham Palace said earlier in the week that the Duke’s admission to hospital was just a “precaution”.
The baby photographs posted on Instagram were taken by Eugenie’s midwife from The Portland Hospital, who visited the couple at home to discharge their baby from the hospital’s care.
They showed August swaddled in blue cloth, being held by his thrilled parents.
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Prince Charles pictured leaving King Edward VII Hospital (Image: GETTY)
The princess captioned the images: “We wanted to introduce you to August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.
“Thank you for so many wonderful messages.
“Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can’t express.
“We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.
Princess Eugenie ‘thankful’ for Meghan baby reveal says expert
“[Camera emoji] by our wonderful midwife. Thank you to the wonderful essential workers including our midwife who came to discharge our boy.”
Twelve days ago, August was born at 8:55am, weighing 8 lbs 1oz and the family left hospital a few days later.
The Portland Hospital, where Eugenie chose to have her baby, was previously her mother Sarah Ferguson’s choice and where she herself was born.
The high-end private hospital in London has an average maternity stay price tag of £20,000 but can cost up to £500,000 with all the additional luxuries.
Eugenie and Jack leaving hospital last week (Image: GETTY)
Some of the benefits include fine dining served on silver platters, a photographer on hand to capture the moment, should you wish, and a goody back with expensive gifts when you leave.
The couple have taken their little one back to Frogmore Cottage, the WIndsor residence belonging to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who have agreed to let the prince’s cousin use it in their absence.
The property was recently renovated with a baby in mind, so it is perfect for the trio.
August is the first grandchild of the Duke and Duchess of York and ninth great-grandchild for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
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