Independent Princess Eugenie goes it alone with auction house job in the U.S.
By RICHARD KAY
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While devoted to the Queen, Eugenie is a modern young woman who wants to make her way in the world
Only two years ago she seemed destined for a life of royal duty — that at least was the plan Princess Eugenie’s father had for her. But Eugenie has not just inherited Prince Andrew’s sense of obligation, there’s also about her a touch of her free-spirited mother Fergie.
And later this year the Queen’s second youngest granddaughter will step out of the world of royal privilege for a new life — and a proper job — in America.
For I can reveal that Eugenie, 23, has secured a full-time post at fashionable U.S. auction house Paddle8, based in New York.
It means, however, she will have to leave behind her Stowe-educated boyfriend Jack Brooksbank, who works in the gastro-pub trade, although the two plan to commute whenever possible.
‘Since leaving university Eugenie has been committed to working in the arts world and has done some internships but is now set to take on a permanent role at graduate level,’ a friend of the Duchess of York tells me.
‘From October she is going to work and live in New York, before returning to London where the company is setting up a new office.’
The move is significant for it comes in the wake of plans inspired by Prince Charles to slim down the number of front-rank working royals, which would almost certainly exclude Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice.
After the birth of the Duchess of Cambridge’s baby she will slip down the line of succession from six to seven.
Status-driven Andrew has always insisted that as the only two ‘blood’ princesses, his daughters should be a central part of a working Royal Family.
But while devoted to the Queen, Eugenie is a modern young woman who wants to make her way in the world.
Paddle8 was co-founded by Alexander Gilkes, Old Etonian brother of nightclub figure and friend of the royals, Charlie Gilkes. Backers include art world luminaries such as Damien Hirst and Jay Jopling.
Eugenie acquired a degree in Art History and English Literature at Newcastle.
She has already done a stint at auction house Christie’s, where her cousin Viscount Linley is chairman.
She has also worked at the Royal Collection in Buckingham Palace, where she won praise after queuing and joining fellow workers in the canteen there.
‘She is determined to be a working woman with a full-time job,’ says the friend.’
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