Being part of the royal family isn’t always all pomp and glamor. Sometimes, the public and press forget that they, too, are just human beings who enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like spending time with family, catching up with friends, playing with their pets and celebrating milestones.

With a simple Instagram post, Princess Eugenie was able to showcase the almost ordinary and wholesome side of her family on the occasion of her mother’s birthday. The natural and unfiltered snaps showed a rare side to the family, usually pictured at royal galas and state events dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands and dripping in precious jewels.

In 1986, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, married then-26-year-old Sarah Ferguson. With her fiery red hair and refreshing personality, Ferguson became a staunch focus of the press. The pair appeared happy in the early days of their marriage, more so when their daughters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie were born in 1988 and 1990, respectively. But like many before her who married into the monarchy, Ferguson found the challenges of being a member of the royal family difficult to navigate. By the early 90s, it was reported her marriage was on the rocks. Andrew and Ferguson’s relationship collapsed, and they formally separated in 1992. By 1996, they were divorced and had agreed to share joint custody of their two daughters.

Despite this, Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie remain a constant feature in the media. In their youth, speculation was rife about who the two eligible bachelorettes would settle down with. Now both happily married, Eugenie is a proud mom to son August while Beatrice has a daughter named Sienna. Read on to find out what else the trio has been up to and how Eugenie paid a sweet tribute to her mom on her birthday.

Eugenie took to Instagram on Oct. 15, 2022, to post a sweet message to her mother on her 63rd birthday. She wrote in the caption, “Half an hour left to go of Oct. 15, 2022, but better late than never.. Happy Birthday my dear mumsy!” followed by three heart and three kisses emojis.

The post included five pictures of Ferguson, Eugenie and the family on a day out in the country. The first picture showed a bare-faced Eugenie and Ferguson looking natural and smiling from ear to ear. Another picture showed Ferguson on her own, sitting on a rock by a brook, while another showed her walking contentedly through a forest. Other pictures included her sister Beatrice, her husband Jack Brooksbank and her tiny tot August.

Meanwhile, Ferguson herself also uploaded a post to her Instagram account that comprised some adorable shots of her frolicking with two of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis, a breed she was most fond of. “The presents that keep giving,” Ferguson wrote in the caption, along with a series of pictures of her playing with the corgis named Sandy and Muick. The pair of cute canines had originally been a gift from Prince Andrew to the queen, but upon the monarch’s passing in Sept. 2022, Ferguson took them in.

“It’s a big honour. Sandy and Muick are national treasures and they have been taught well,” Ferguson told The Telegraph, as reported by People.

The snaps have proved to be a hit with the public, who praised the family for keeping it real.

Many responded with kind words to Eugenie’s family photos, saying they appreciated how down-to-earth they all seemed, despite their royal status.

“These are the normal pictures of the royal family that I absolutely love. Thank you for sharing them with us!” @jujubee16 wrote.

“My first thought was how normal and refreshing. Thanks for no filters and showing how it really is. Beautiful,” @rubyroo100 commented.

Many also commented on how happy Ferguson looked, proving that her popularity with the public had not waned entirely.

“So glad to see Fergie happy,” @susanmcdow wrote, referring to Ferguson’s nickname. She added, “Good job surviving the royal firm Fergie.”

“Happy Birthday to the most incredible ‘rebel’ ginger woman of UK!!” another user commented.

“Happy Birthday dear Fergie! The most under appreciated member of the royal family!” another comment read.

Just three days before her mother’s birthday, Eugenie also had another milestone to celebrate: her fourth wedding anniversary. She marked the day by posting a charming picture of her and her husband sharing a tender moment together in a carriage on their wedding day.

“Happy Anniversary my Jack. 4 years and counting,” Eugenie wrote in the caption.

Royal fans were delighted by the photograph and took to the comments to wish the happy couple well.

“Love love love this pic. Happy Anniversary you gorgeous two,” TV presenter Natalie Pinkham wrote.

“Huge love on your special anniversary,” a comment from TV personality Lizzie Cundy read.

“Has it been 4 years? It feels like just yesterday, you were the most beautiful bride,” another user commented.

We’re delighted to see Eugenie, her mother and the entire family so happy in each other’s company, and we wish them many more birthdays and milestones to share together!

What do you think of Eugenie’s down-to-earth snaps she shared on her mother’s birthday? Would you prefer to see more of this natural side of members of the royal family? Let us know, and don’t forget to pass this along to family and friends.