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Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank recently announced they were expecting another addition to their little family. Announcing the news, the Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are very pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby in early 2021. The Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, Mr and Mrs George Brooksbank, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted with the news.”

But lockdown restrictions means Eugenie likely won’t have the pregnancy she imagined.

And there is one, key, royal baby tradition the Princess will be forced to miss out on this year.

While most members of the Royal Family announce the birth of a royal baby on the exterior steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London, Eugenie won’t be able to.

The event is key in the diaries of any royal observer, as it gives people a first look at the newest addition to the Royal Family.

The event usually sees masses of media coverage and fans of the Royal Family gather outside the wing.

But this year, social distancing measures amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means Princess Eugenie won’t be able to follow in the footsteps of past royals.

The tradition of standing outside the Lindo Wing was started by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The couple were the first to stand outside the maternity ward after the birth of Prince William.

Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge followed the tradition after the birth of all three of their children.

Princess Anne also had both of her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, at the Lindo Wing.

It is also likely Eugenie and Jack won’t let anyone near their child for a while for fears of them carrying the virus.

Royal commentator Grant Harrold told Insider: “Royal babies should be looked at, but never touched. The public must be respectful.

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“As well as etiquette rules, it poses a major security risk if someone is able to get so close that they are able to touch members of the Royal Family.”

Of course, Eugenie and Jack could opt not to have the birth at the Lindo Wing at all, instead following in her mother’s footsteps.

Princess Eugenie and her older sister, Princess Beatrice, were born int he American-owned Portland Hospital on Great Portland Street in Westminster.

Sarah, Duchess of York, became the first member of the Royal Family to give birth in a non-NHS hospital.

The private maternity hospital is located just three miles from Ivy Cottage, where Jack and Eugenie are currently residing, on the grounds of Kensington Palace.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, also chose to give birth to Archie-Harrison at the Portland Hospital in May 2019.

Princess Beatrice’s husband and Eugenie’s brother-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was also born at the Westminster hospital in 1983.

Alternatively, Eugenie could choose to honour her husband by giving birth in the hospital Jack was born, St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster.

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