Princess Eugenie’s baby will change the line of succession - this is why it's important for these high-profile royals

Several high profile royals will now be pushed further down the royal line of succession

 Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie of York during their wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel on October 12, 2018 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Owen Humphreys - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The news of Princess Eugenie’s baby’s arrival has been met with delight by the Royal Family, though her new son’s birth will now change the line of succession. 

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank welcomed their first child yesterday at The Portland Hospital in London. As well as an official announcement from the Royal Family, the proud new mother also shared the news on her own Instagram account. Posting an adorable picture of her, Jack and their son holding hands, it was a momentous day for the Royal Family yesterday. 

Whilst February 9 also marks the anniversary of the sad passing of the Queen’s late sister Princess Margaret, now the arrival of a new royal into the world will no doubt have given this significant day a whole new meaning and positive feeling for the monarch, who is said to be “delighted” to hear of the birth of her ninth great-grandchild. 

But when it comes to the Royal Family’s line of succession, the birth of another great-grandchild has made some pretty clear changes, ahead of Princess Eugenie’s cousin Zara Tindall’s third child being born later this year.

How has Princess Eugenie’s baby changed the line of succession?

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s baby is now 11th in line to the throne, affecting the princess’ pregnant cousin Zara Tindall and her children. She may have previously been 18th in line to the throne, but now Princess Anne’s daughter Zara has been moved down to 19th following the birth of Princess Eugenie’s son. 

This, in turn, pushes Zara’s daughters Mia and Lena down to 20th and 21st respectively. When Zara and her husband Mike Tindall’s third child is born later this year, they will be already outside the top 20 in the line of succession, at 22nd.

And that’s not all, as all the Royal Family members below Princess Eugenie in the line of succession already will now move further down. This includes the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who was born 3rd in line but is now down to 12th. His children James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor are now at 13th and 14th respectively.

Despite the changes the birth of Princess Eugenie’s baby has meant for the Royal Family, they are all likely thrilled to hear such happy family news.

Congratulations to the new parents!

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!