On October 12, 2018, the British royal family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The day was supposed to be all about Eugenie and her new husband. Marking their union in front of friends, family, and the world.

However, reports later emerged that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a personal announcement during the wedding festivities. Sharing the news of Meghan’s pregnancy with the family. The revelation reportedly did not sit well with the bride, Princess Eugenie, and her mother, Sarah Ferguson.

Reaction from Princess Eugenie and Her Mother

Princess Eugenie, known for her close relationship with cousin Prince Harry, was reportedly upset by the timing of the announcement. Which many saw as overshadowing her big day.

According to sources, Eugenie had envisioned a wedding where she was the center of attention, only for this moment to be somewhat diminished by the news of Harry and Meghan’s upcoming child. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was also reportedly “furious” at the perceived breach of decorum. Feeling that the announcement detracted from her daughter’s special occasion.

Sarah Ferguson’s Social Media Response

In the hours following the announcement, Sarah Ferguson took to social media to share a series of celebratory posts about her daughter’s wedding. In what some saw as a subtle response to Harry and Meghan’s news, she chose to focus exclusively on Eugenie. She shared photos and expressed pride in her daughter. Her posts were notably devoid of any mention of Harry and Meghan’s pregnancy, a move widely interpreted as an expression of her disapproval at the timing of their announcement.

Public Opinion on the Pregnancy Reveal

The announcement’s timing sparked mixed reactions among the public. While many royal fans congratulated the Sussexes on their growing family, some viewed the move as inconsiderate. Social media lit up with criticism from those who felt that Harry and Meghan should have waited to share the news.

One Twitter user remarked, “Meghan couldn’t let Eugenie be the center of attention for long, could she?” Others argued that sharing pregnancy news during family gatherings is common and defended the couple’s choice. Pointing to their excitement about becoming parents.

Clarification from Royal Insiders

Royal insiders offered a more tempered perspective, suggesting that Meghan and Harry may not have intended to steal the spotlight. Sources close to the royals indicated that the family had actually known about the pregnancy just prior to the wedding.

Harry and Meghan reportedly opted to confirm the news to close relatives at the wedding reception rather than making a public declaration. Official confirmation of Meghan’s pregnancy was then shared with the world on October 15. Allowing Eugenie and Jack’s wedding to remain the primary focus over the weekend.

The Impact on Family Relations

While the Sussexes’ announcement may have been a simple moment of excitement for them, it left a lasting impression on family dynamics. The timing of their reveal, along with other reported grievances over the years, contributed to ongoing tensions between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family. Some royal commentators saw this event as a turning point that strained relations. Noting that it was just one of several incidents that created a rift among family members​.

Supporters Defend Meghan and Harry

Not everyone saw Meghan and Harry’s pregnancy reveal as inappropriate. Many supporters pointed out that it was a private family gathering. It was natural for the couple to share their joy with close relatives. They argued that, given the public nature of the royal family’s lives, finding a “perfect” time for personal announcements is challenging. Others also mentioned that pregnancy news often sparks strong emotions, particularly when first-time parents are involved​.

Reflections on a Royal Protocol Dilemma

The Sussexes’ decision to share their news at Eugenie’s wedding continues to spark debate about royal protocol and expectations. The incident highlighted how the personal lives of the royal family are constantly subject to public scrutiny, with family members sometimes facing conflicting expectations between their roles as royals and as individuals.

This moment, while brief, showcased the challenges of maintaining family harmony within the highly visible world of British royalty. Overall, this event reflects both the joy and complexity of royal family life. As even happy news can sometimes lead to unintended friction.