Princess Eugenie's Portuguese chapter takes joyful turn

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have welcomed their second daughter in Portugal, adding an unusual chapter to the family’s royal story.

The baby girl was born near Lisbon earlier this week, making her one of the relatively few members of the British royal family to have been born outside the UK. 

Her arrival comes after Eugenie and Jack made Portugal their home, relocating to the Algarve in 2022 following Jack’s new work opportunity in the country.

The couple, who already share sons August, five, and Ernest, three, have divided their time between Portugal and London in recent years. 

Their life in the country appears to have become increasingly settled, with the family spending much of their time at their £3.6 million villa in the Comporta area.

According to a new report in the Daily Mail, Eugenie and Jack have become familiar faces in their local community, where their presence has reportedly been met with warmth and discretion. 

The couple are said to enjoy a relatively private existence away from the intense attention that often accompanies royal life in Britain.

One of their local favourites is O Fadista, a restaurant close to their home known for its seafood rice. 

Staff reportedly recognise the royal couple as regular visitors, while Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, has also made several trips to the area.

Sarah is believed to be staying with the family at their Comporta home following the birth, lending a helping hand as Eugenie and Jack adjust to life with their newborn daughter. 

Restaurant workers reportedly said they had yet to see Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the area.

José Santos, president of the local tourist board, described the royals as a “fantastic advert” for the region, which he said had previously been something of a “closely guarded secret”.