Princess Eugenie’s father-in-law ‘in hospital battling coronavirus’

Princess Eugenie’s father-in-law is reportedly in intensive care battling coronavirus, several British newspapers have reported.

George Brooksbank, 71, is understood to be in a “serious but stable” condition in hospital, with his wife Nicole, 66, also suffering from the virus but at home.

A family friend told the Daily Mail: “It’s a traumatic time for Jack and Eugenie. George has been very sick but the whole family has been rallying round to help.

“They are hugely grateful for the excellent care that he has been receiving. They are thinking of all the other families who are being similarly affected at this time.”

Princess Eugenie married Mr Brooksbank’s son Jack in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in October 2018 – the same venue where her cousin Prince Harry married Meghan five months earlier.

Princess Eugenie appears to be isolating with her parents at their family residence, The Royal Lodge, in Windsor, after she was pictured with her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York holding a delivery of sweet treats for NHS workers. It is not known whether or not her husband Jack is there too.

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The family was due to celebrate Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s wedding on 29 May at St James’s Palace in London. However, a palace spokesperson told British news outlet The Sun that the couple is considering their options and have not yet decided whether to call off their big day entirely or have a private ceremony attended by a small number of family and friends instead.

Guidelines around the elderly, and how best to protect the health of those over 60, could also heavily impact Princess Beatrice’s plans, as her grandparents Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are 93 and 98 years old respectively.

“Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi are very much looking forward to getting married but are equally aware of the need to avoid undertaking any unnecessary risks in the current circumstances,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told The Sun. “In line with government advice for the UK and beyond, the couple are reviewing their arrangements for 29th May.”

The source added: “They are particularly conscious of government advice in relation to both the wellbeing of older family members and large gatherings of people. Therefore, the planned reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens will not take place.

“The couple will carefully consider government advice before deciding whether a private marriage might take place amongst a small group of family and friends.”