Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, have named their newborn daughter Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank. The name choice reflects a lineage of admiration for figures past and present, according to a statement from Eugenie.
Adelaide, born in Portugal two weeks ago, carries a name with significant royal connections. It is believed to honor Queen Adelaide (1792-1849), the wife of King William IV, who served as a maternal figure to Queen Victoria. The Australian city of Adelaide and Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire were also named in her honor. Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank in 2018 featured diamond wheat-ear brooches, commissioned by William IV for Queen Adelaide.
The name also pays homage to Maria Adelaide of Portugal, the Princess of Braganza, acknowledging the couple's connection to Portugal, where their daughter was born. Another possible influence is Maria Adelaide, a 19th-century figure from Porto known for her charitable work.
The middle name Elizabeth is a direct tribute to Eugenie's late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whom the couple holds in high regard. Eugenie confirmed this connection, stating the name was chosen to honor her great-grandmother.
'Annina,' the final part of the name, appears to be a more personal choice. It is derived from Anne or Anna, meaning 'grace,' and could be a nod to Eugenie's friend Annina Pfuel. Eugenie attended Pfuel's wedding in Bavaria and has been seen wearing traditional Bavarian attire. It could also be a subtle tribute to Eugenie's aunt, the Princess Royal, known for her dedication and hard work.
< ]]>Furthermore, the name might subtly honor Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, who has a history of choosing Victorian-era names for her daughters. Princess Beatrice was named after Queen Victoria's daughter, and Eugenie herself shares a name with Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg. The names of Eugenie's sons, August and Ernest, also have royal ties, honoring Prince Albert and King George V, respectively.
Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank was born on August 3. She is 15th in line to the throne, a position that moves her great-uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh, to 16th place. This new arrival is the 15th great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and the third to be born since her death in 2022. The baby is also the fifth grandchild of Prince Andrew.
< ]]>Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank married in October 2018. Their elder son, August, was born on February 9, 2021, followed by their second son, Ernest, on May 30, 2023. Eugenie has previously expressed her joy in motherhood.