When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s got engaged, who wasn’t over the moon? But with their wedding planning well under way and their big day coming up quick in May, we can’t help but itch for another royal engagement.
And then our wish came true! Princess Eugenie of York announced her engagement on January 22 to Jack Brooksbank, who she’s been together with for seven years.
Some of you are probably like, “Yay!” And some of you are probably like, “Who?” Don’t worry, we’ll explain.
Who is Princess Eugenie?
Eugenie Victoria Helena is the youngest daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. She’s the sixth grandchild of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and cousin to Prince Harry and Prince William. Eugenie also has an older sister, named Princess Beatrice of York.
Still with us?
All right, now that we know where she stands in terms of the royal family, let’s get back to where everything started. Eugenie was born on March 23, 1990, making her 27 years old today. Her parents got divorced when she was just six, but it was a pretty amicable split and, with joint custody, she was able to see both of them an equal amount.
She had a pretty swell childhood, but when she was just 12, Eugenie had to have back surgery to fix her scoliosis, leaving her two titanium rods in her back to this day. However, the surgery was a success, and she hasn’t had to have any more surgeries for the condition (nor should she in the future).
Eugenie began her education in 1992 at Winkfield Montessori and spent a year there before attending Upton House School until 1995. From there, she went to Coworth Park School from 1995-2001 and then St. George’s School until 2003.
As for college, she studied at Marlborough College in Wiltshire for five years, took one year off, and then attended Newcastle University in 2009 to study art history, English literature and politics. She now works as an associate director of the Hauser & Wirth art galleries in London.
She met her now fiancé Jack through mutual friends. They were introduced on a ski trip in Switzerland, and they got engaged in Nicaragua. He currently works as the manager of Mahiki, a posh nightclub, and is a brand representative for George Clooney’s company, Casamigos Tequila.
Eugenie is eighth in line of succession to the throne, though she’ll be moved to ninth in line once Prince William and Duchess Kate welcome their third child.
Her royal title will remain the same and she’ll have the option of whether she wants to take Jack’s last name. The two will be married this fall at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the same venue Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will say their vows.
Why does her name sound a little familiar?
If you think you might’ve heard of Princess Eugenie before, here’s likely why.
While Princess Eugenie stays out of most headlines, you might’ve read about her when Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011—and unfortunately it wasn’t the best of news. People were outraged when her and Beatrice showed up to the royal wedding wearing very large, loud feathered hats. It wasn’t quite the black tie attire you’d imagine.
Hopefully she tones it down a bit for her wedding gown. If it’s anything as classy as her pink sapphire engagement ring, we’re going to swoon all over it. But really, no mater she chooses, we’re sure she’ll look gorgeous.
For more details on her engagement and upcoming nuptials, check out the video below!
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