The world of royalty has been struck with sadness as it was revealed that George Brooksbank, the father-in-law of Princess Eugenie and father of her husband Jack, passed away just days before their baby son’s christening.

The news comes as a shock to many, especially considering the timing of the christening, which took place on Sunday at the All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park and was attended by none other than the Queen herself.

According to a Royal Insider who spoke to Mail Online, George Brooksbank, 72, had been battling health issues ever since his battle with Covid last year.

It is believed that he never fully recovered from the ordeal and had been unwell for quite some time.

The loss of Jack’s father has undoubtedly been a difficult blow for the couple, especially as they were preparing to celebrate their son’s christening.

Despite the heartbreak they were experiencing, both Eugenie and Jack decided to put on a brave face and proceed with the christening.

The ceremony was attended by the Queen, who has been advised by her doctor to rest for almost a month now, as well as Eugenie’s parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other senior members of the royal family were also present, although it remains uncertain whether Jack’s mother, Nicola, felt able to attend.

The timing of Mr. Brooksbank’s passing is particularly poignant, as it occurred just before the double christening of the Queen’s two great-grandsons.

Alongside August, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s first child, Lucas Tindall, the son of Sarah and Mike Tindall, was also being christened.

August, born in February, holds the distinction of being both the first grandchild for Eugenie and Jack’s parents and the ninth great-grandchild for the Queen.

Furthermore, he is currently thirteenth in line to the throne.

George Brooksbank’s health had been severely affected by his battle with Covid last April.

Prior to the pandemic, he split his time between his homes in Wandsworth, South London, and Bordeaux, France, alongside his wife of 36 years, Nicola.

During the first national lockdown, Mr. Brooksbank found himself in a serious but stable condition in the hospital, while his wife also contracted the virus but was able to recover at home.

The couple faced an agonizing period when George was put on a ventilator for five weeks, but miraculously, he managed to overcome the life-threatening battle and was discharged from the hospital in June of last year.