Where Did Princess Eugenie Go To College?
Princess Eugenie, the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, attended some of the top universities in the United Kingdom for her higher education. As a member of the British royal family, Princess Eugenie had access to excellent schooling and made the most of the opportunities available to her.
Princess Eugenie’s Early Education
Princess Eugenie was born on March 23, 1990 at The Portland Hospital in London. She is the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, and the younger sister of Princess Beatrice.
As a child, Princess Eugenie attended Winkfield Montessori School from 1992-1993. She then attended Upton House School in Windsor until 1995. Her early education focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic along with art, music, physical education, and learning outdoors.
For preparatory school, Eugenie attended Coworth Park School from 1995-2001. This co-educational independent school provided a traditional British preparatory school education. In 1998, she passed the Common Entrance Exam for entry into secondary school.
Marlborough College: 2001-2003
For secondary school, Princess Eugenie attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire. She started at this independent boarding school in 2001 when she was 11 years old.
Founded in 1843, Marlborough College is one of Britain’s most prestigious public schools. It has educated members of royal families and the children of aristocracy over its long history. Former students include civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Nobel-prize winning scientist John Gurdon, and the author Siegfried Sassoon.
At Marlborough, Princess Eugenie pursued a rigorous curriculum that placed emphasis on academics and extracurricular activities. She studied English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, and the Arts. Outside of the classroom, she participated in sports, drama, charity work, and social service.
In 2003, Princess Eugenie completed her GCSE examinations at Marlborough College. She received strong marks on her exams, scoring an A in Art and English Literature and As in Geography and the Sciences. Her classmates voted her “Hardest Worker” in her final year.
However, the Princess faced teasing from classmates over her royal status and struggles with scoliosis. After completing Year 11 at Marlborough, she decided to continue her education elsewhere.
Continuing Education in the United States
For the next phase of her education, Princess Eugenie crossed the Atlantic to study in the United States. From 2003-2004, she attended Old Campus at St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island.
St. George’s School is a co-educational, Episcopal prep school near Newport. Princess Eugenie joined her cousin, Lady Louise Windsor, who was also studying at the school.
At St. George’s Old Campus, Eugenie pursued college preparatory courses in a smaller, more close-knit setting. She lived in a discrete house on campus with friends and took advantage of the school’s block scheduling system. She also appreciated the anonymity afforded by studying in the United States.
Degree From Newcastle University
After taking A-Levels in Art, English Literature, and History of Art at Marlborough College Summer School, Princess Eugenie was accepted at Newcastle University in northern England. She began her studies there in September 2009 at age 19.
At Newcastle, Princess Eugenie pursued an undergraduate degree in the combined honors program of English Literature and History of Art. She graduated in 2012 at the age of 22 with a 2:1 degree classification.
The princess lived in ordinary student accommodations during her time at Newcastle. She also carried out charity work and raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Princess Eugenie described her university experience as a “three years I’ll never forget” and praised the bonds she formed. She remains a passionate patron of Newcastle University today.
Executive Education at Harvard Business School
After completing her university studies in 2012, Princess Eugenie moved to New York City to work for the fine auction house Paddle8. In 2015, she enrolled in executive education courses at Harvard Business School in Boston.
At Harvard, Princess Eugenie took part in an intensive Professional Development Program targeted towards young professionals. The program covered topics like leadership development, organizational culture, negotiation strategies, and effective decision making.
In a 2017 interview with Vogue magazine, Princess Eugenie credited this Harvard executive education with helping her develop professional skills:
“I got to Harvard and studied some incredible courses, courses that really made me think. They also forced me to think on my feet. I met some brilliant contemporary artists who brought me art in a different light. I came out of those courses knowing a career in the arts was what I wanted.”
After completing the program at Harvard Business School, Princess Eugenie returned to London and shifted her career focus to the art world. She now works as a director at the Hauser & Wirth art gallery.
Princess Eugenie’s Education Summary
In summary, Princess Eugenie received a world-class education both in Britain and abroad. Key schools she attended include:
- Winkfield Montessori School
- Upton House School
- Coworth Park Prep School
- Marlborough College
- St. George’s School in Rhode Island
- Newcastle University (English Lit and History of Art)
- Harvard Business School executive courses
Her schooling focused on traditional academic subjects as well as art, languages, sports, drama, and charity work. Princess Eugenie embraced the opportunities before her and came away with close friendships and memorable experiences.
How Did Princess Eugenie’s Education Prepare Her for Royal Duties?
Princess Eugenie’s education provided her with knowledge and skills to take on royal duties in support of the Queen. Key ways her schooling prepared her include:
Fostering Public Speaking Abilities
Classes in English Literature helped Princess Eugenie develop strong oral and written communication skills. Participating in school drama productions also built up her confidence with public speaking.
These abilities are vital when carrying out public engagements and delivering speeches for the royal family.
Providing Cultural Knowledge
Through studies in History of Art and visits to museums and galleries, Princess Eugenie gained knowledge spanning different artistic periods and movements.
This helps her communicate effectively when attending arts-related events as a working royal. She can speak intelligently about the subject matter.
Building Connections and Networking Skills
Boarding school life allowed Princess Eugenie to form strong friendships with students from various backgrounds. Her Ivy League executive education also expanded her professional network.
These connections are useful when collaborating on philanthropic projects and dealing with leaders in various sectors.
Teaching Time Management
Juggling a busy course load, extracurriculars, and social obligations taught Princess Eugenie important time management abilities.
These skills help her efficiently handle the demanding schedule of royal duties and engagements with grace.
Offering Executive Education Insights
The Harvard Business School program provided relevant instruction in areas like organizational leadership, negotiation, and decision making.
The lessons benefit Princess Eugenie in assessing initiatives and causes to support and navigating politics as a working royal.
Overall, Princess Eugenie’s quality education prepared her to assume royal responsibilities related to public service, cultural promotion, diplomacy, and patronage work.
What Degree Did Princess Eugenie Earn at University?
Princess Eugenie studied at Newcastle University in northern England from 2009 to 2012. She graduated with a 2:1 degree in English Literature and History of Art.
This combined honors program allowed Princess Eugenie to take courses across the two disciplines. She would have completed core modules in each subject as well as electives nurturing specific interests.
English Literature Degree Details
For the English Literature portion of her degree, Princess Eugenie likely took courses such as:
- British Literature covering periods from medieval to contemporary
- Shakespeare’s major works and drama studies
- American and postcolonial literature
- Poetry, prose, and technical analysis
- Academic writing and research methods
Developing expertise in English Literature gave Princess Eugenie strong written and verbal communication abilities. It also provided cultural familiarity with influential literary works.
History of Art Degree Details
In the History of Art courses, Princess Eugenie would have studied topics including:
- Art movements like Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism
- Individual artists such as Botticelli, Picasso, and Warhol
- Curatorial methods and practices
- Art theory and criticism principles
- Researching and writing about art academically
This aspect of the degree gave the Princess art historical knowledge to draw on at cultural events and museum visits. It also nurtured a personal passion for art.
Benefits of the Combined Degree
Pursuing the joint honors program allowed Princess Eugenie to benefit from both the English Literature and History of Art disciplines.
The combination provided an immersive education in the humanities. It balanced analytical skills from literature studies with visual learning in art history courses.
The broad humanities exposure equipped Princess Eugenie to engage deeply with cultural topics as both a patron of the arts and as a working royal. The degree prepared her well for royal duties promoting British culture, arts, and education.
What Level of Degree Did Princess Eugenie Receive?
Princess Eugenie graduated from Newcastle University with a 2:1 degree classification. This means she earned an upper second-class honors classification.
The 2:1 level is the second-highest degree score possible at UK universities. It indicates a strong performance on coursework and examinations.
The British undergraduate degree classification system is as follows:
- First class honors (1st)
- Upper second class honors (2:1)
- Lower second class honors (2:2)
- Third class honors (3rd)
A first class honors is the highest distinction, requiring averages of 70% or more. Princess Eugenie’s 2:1 degree corresponds to overall marks in the 60-69% range.
Achieving this upper second-class level reflects Princess Eugenie’s consistent effort and mastery of concepts across her courses. It shows she fully engaged with the dual English and History of Art curriculum.
The score is an impressive achievement given the demanding nature of combining two disciplines. It demonstrates Princess Eugenie’s work ethic and intellectual vitality as a university student.
Her 2:1 degree prepared her well for both further education at Harvard Business School and career roles in the arts and philanthropy. It provided a strong foundation of knowledge to draw on as a working royal patron of arts organizations and educational causes.
Overall, Princess Eugenie’s upper second-class degree reflects her commitment to academics and passion for the humanities.
What Activities Did Princess Eugenie Pursue at University?
In addition to her studies, Princess Eugenie engaged in extracurricular activities, charity work, and part-time employment during her university years.
Student Accommodations
Princess Eugenie lived in ordinary student housing at Newcastle. She resided in a house rented by herself and friends for much of her time at the university.
Living off-campus in this way allowed the Princess to fully experience student life. She enjoyed independence, made friends outside royal circles, and bonded with classmates.
Charity Work
Eugenie volunteered with the Teenage Cancer Trust organization while at university. The charity hosts concerts, funds cancer units, and offers support networks for young people with cancer.
She helped with fundraising efforts on campus and participated in awareness campaigns. This work allowed her to give back and meet people from all walks of life.
Part-Time Employment
During holidays and weekends, Princess Eugenie took on part-time work. She worked at a restaurant in Chelsea and at luxury brands like Prada.
The roles provided income and taught Eugenie valuable skills in customer service, operations, and sales. They offered a taste of the working world beyond university and royal circles.
Social Activities
Princess Eugenie developed strong friendships and reveled in university social life. She joined social clubs and participated in society events.
The princess also traveled locally and abroad during breaks. She enjoyed regular visits to Amsterdam and ski trips with university friends.
By fully embracing student experiences beyond her studies, Princess Eugenie nurtured independence and forged lasting bonds.
What Challenges Did Princess Eugenie Face During Her Education?
Despite having access to first-class schooling, Princess Eugenie faced some challenges during her educational journey:
Bullying at Boarding School
As a 12 year old starting at Marlborough College, Princess Eugenie was initially bullied by classmates over her looks, demeanor, and royal status. Students mocked her weight, red hair, and shy nature.
The harassment caused emotional distress and damaged self-confidence. It played a role in Princess Eugenie switching schools after completing her GCSEs.
Coping With Scoliosis
At age 12, Eugenie was diagnosed with scoliosis. Her spinal curvature meant wearing painful back braces and having surgery at 18.
Managing scoliosis imposed physical and emotional difficulties. It caused back pain, impacted posture and body image, and hindered participation in sports.
Balancing Privilege With Normalcy
As a royal attending non-royal schools, Eugenie strove to fit in socially while acknowledging her privilege.
She aimed to be approachable and down-to-earth with peers, though still faced gossip about royal life. Eugenie focused on building sincere friendships.
Public Scrutiny Over Academics
As a princess, Eugenie’s education faced scrutiny by British tabloids eager for gossip. Rumors circulated about poor marks and wild partying, though without merit.
Ignoring hurtful scrutiny was difficult. But Eugenie persevered thanks to strong family support.
While these challenges caused painful moments, Eugenie maintained grace and dedication. Her struggles built resilience and empathy.
How Did Princess Eugenie’s Education Help Prepare Her for a Career?
Princess Eugenie’s prestigious schooling and university experiences equipped her well for pursuing a professional career in adulthood. Several factors contributed to this career preparation:
Building a Strong Academic Foundation
Eugenie’s education at top institutions gave her an excellent academic grounding to build on. Her studies fostered critical thinking, research abilities, and intellectual engagement with complex subject matter.
Developing Broad Knowledge
Through coursework spanning history, literature, languages, arts, and more, Eugenie developed wide-ranging cultural knowledge and contextual understanding to draw on.
Learning Specialized Skills
The focus on art history and fine arts during university and executive courses provided relevant skills for working in the art industry. This includes art expertise, sales abilities, networking skills, and knowledge of the auction world.
Nurturing Passions
The immersive study of art history nurtured a personal passion for art and creativity. This motivates Eugenie in her current art gallery career.
Forging Industry Connections
Studying overseas and mingling in artistic social circles allowed Eugenie to build relationships with figures in the art and business worlds. These industry links proved useful when job searching.
Thanks to this well-rounded education and diverse experiences, Princess Eugenie was well equipped for an impactful professional career beyond her royal duties.
What Were Some Key Takeaways From Princess Eugenie’s Education Journey?
Princess Eugenie’s educational experiences offer several key takeaways:
Seek Diverse Perspectives
By studying overseas in America, Eugenie gained fresh outlooks. Immersing herself in different social circles also brought new perspectives.
Follow Your Interests
Pursuing art history and English reflected Eugenie’s intellectual passions. Following these interests made studies more engaging.
Embrace Opportunities
Eugenie made the most of opportunities like drama club, Ivy League courses, and overseas exchanges to enrich her experiences.
Bond Authentically
Eugenie formed close friendships by being genuine and engaged. These bonds provided meaning and connection.
Work Diligently
A strong work ethic helped Eugenie achieve a high 2:1 degree classification that prepared her well for career success.
Persevere Through Challenges
Eugenie navigated bullying and scrutiny with grace, retaining self-confidence and dedication.
By making the most of every educational experience, Princess Eugenie charted her own enriching academic journey. She offers an example of how education can provide meaning and direction in life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Princess Eugenie received an outstanding education that prepared her for both royal duties and professional success. By attending leading British boarding schools, earning a dual honors degree at Newcastle University, and taking Ivy League executive courses, Eugenie gained top-notch academic training.
However, her education went beyond the classroom to include formative experiences like studying overseas, forging lifelong friendships, discovering passion for arts, and working regular part-time jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Eugenie’s Education
Where did Princess Eugenie go for undergraduate studies?
Princess Eugenie attended Newcastle University in northeast England for her undergraduate degree. She studied from 2009-2012 and graduated with a 2:1 in English Literature and History of Art.
What GCSE subjects did Eugenie get top marks in?
For her GCSE exams taken at Marlborough College, Princess Eugenie scored A grades in Art, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Her strong performance demonstrated her academic abilities.
Did Princess Eugenie attend any American universities?
Eugenie attended one American school for a year: St. George’s School in Rhode Island. She also took executive education courses at Harvard Business School. But she did not attend an American university for her bachelor’s degree.
What awards did Princess Eugenie earn at university?
While at Newcastle, classmates voted Eugenie the “Best Dressed” female student for her fashion sense. She did not win any major academic awards, but achieved an impressive 2:1 degree classification.
Did Eugenie have a typical college experience?
Yes, Eugenie lived in student housing, worked part-time jobs, made friends outside royal circles, and immersed herself in campus life. This somewhat typical experience let her discover independence.