Royal Connection: India Oxenberg Anticipates Arrival of First Child with Patrick D’Ignazio

King Charles Cousin India Oxenberg and Husband Expecting 1st Baby

India Oxenberg. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

India Oxenberg, a member of the royal family, is expecting her first baby with husband Patrick D’Ignazio.

Oxenberg, 32, shared with People that she was initially in disbelief when she found out she was pregnant. It took some time for the news to sink in, as she questioned, "Really? What is happening? Are we really doing this?"

She continued, "I felt really emotional about it, and really blessed, and just like, 'Wow, this really is something that I’ve always wanted, that I in a way told myself I didn’t want for so long.' Because it was so vulnerable to think about having my own family, and what that means to me."

India is the daughter of Catherine Oxenberg and William Weitz Shaffer. Catherine, 62, is a second cousin to King Charles III. (Catherine, best known for her role on Dynasty, is the daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Serbia.)

During a 2019 interview with Studio 10, Catherine shared that she did not feel like she was part of the inner circle. She recalled the reaction of her relatives when she played Princess Diana in the 1982 TV movie The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana. Catherine mentioned receiving a letter from a king of a certain country who called her a disgrace, causing her mother to worry about how her family would react.

Elizabeth, who is now 87 years old, mentioned that she has a close relationship with Charles, who is 75 years old. Elizabeth stated that she had reached out to Charles directly.

King Charles Cousin India Oxenberg and Husband Expecting 1st Baby

Patrick D’Ignazio, India Oxenberg. Courtesy of India Oxenberg/Instagram

Catherine mentioned that her mother informed someone about her playing Diana in a film and asked for their blessing. The person responded graciously, acknowledging that the film would be made regardless and expressing confidence that Catherine could bring dignity to the role.

Following in her mother's footsteps, India pursued a career as an actress. In later years, she became involved in the NXIVM cult. Her 2021 memoir, Still Learning, recounts her journey of leaving the organization.

India and chef D’Ignazio fell in love in 2018. They got engaged in October 2019 and got married a year later. They now live in Key West, where D’Ignazio owns his own restaurant, Eaton Good.

After settling into their new coastal life, they were excited to start a family.

"This next phase of my life is all about embracing the present and finding joy," she shared with People. "While I understand that parenting will have its difficulties, I see it as an opportunity to let go of the past and focus on building a bright future."

Editor's P/S:

India Oxenberg's journey to motherhood is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's desires and overcoming adversity. Her initial disbelief at her pregnancy reflects the vulnerability and trepidation that accompany the prospect of starting a family. However, her subsequent emotional response and recognition of her long-held wish for a family highlight the profound joy and fulfillment that can come with embracing this new chapter.

India's openness about her past involvement with the NXIVM cult and her subsequent recovery serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength that can emerge from challenging experiences. Her decision to share her story through her memoir, "Still Learning," underscores her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness and support others who have faced similar struggles. The fact that she has now found love and happiness with her husband, Patrick D'Ignazio, and is about to embark on the journey of parenthood is a testament to her ability to heal and rebuild her life.