On Monday, Princess Eugenie confirmed the birth of her son, putting to rest the speculation that he would share a birthday with Lilibet, the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which some royal watchers had anticipated.
The announcement came five days after the baby, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, was born. Eugenie and her sister Beatrice have maintained cordial relations with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, setting them apart from other members of the royal family.
There are some who believe that their connection with the US-based royal couple is rooted in their resentment towards the treatment of their father, Prince Andrew, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by the senior members of the royal family.
Coincidentally, Princess Eugenie's announcement coincided with Prince Harry's court appearance on Monday, which he chose to skip for reasons unknown. Despite the recent criticism aimed at the royal family by Harry and Meghan, Eugenie has continued to meet with them.
Initially, it was speculated that Harry's absence from court was due to his daughter's birthday, but given his close relationship with Eugenie, it is possible that he opted to forgo the hearing in order to not overshadow the arrival of the baby.
Additionally, the hearing took place on May 5, just a day after his daughter's birthday. Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, stated that Harry would not take the stand until Tuesday as he had been celebrating his daughter Princess Lilibet's second birthday and arrived in the UK late Sunday.
The case involves Harry and other prominent figures alleging illegal activities, including phone hacking, by MGN Ltd and seeking damages.
This is one of several legal actions Harry has taken against British newspaper groups since stepping down from his royal duties in early 2020 and relocating to the United States.
