How to Pronounce Princess Eugenie's Name
It's an art, really.


On the same scale as my shocking discovery a few months ago that Prince Harry's real name is not actually Harry, I've learned that I've been pronouncing Princess Eugenie's name wrong for, well...always. And so has the entire MarieClaire.com team (Because "I'm only pronouncing it this way because you are!" etc.).
Princess Eugenie, the first cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry who's known for her extravagant hat choices (though not as extravagant as her sister Princess Beatrice's), is set to wed longtime boyfriend Jack Brooksbank next month at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. It's only fitting that we do Eugenie justice and learn to pronounce her name before she walks down the aisle. Let us begin.
The Breakdown
There's typically three ways people pronounce Eugenie's name:
Exhibit A: "You-Jenny"
Exhibit B: “You-Jay-Knee"
Exhibit C: “You-Genie” (like "Genie in a Bottle")
However, none of these are correct. According to a 2008 Telegraph interview with the princess herself, it's actually pronounced “You-Juh-Knee" with a stress on the "you."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"Whenever we used to meet foreign people who were struggling with it, my mum and I would help them by saying, 'It's like Use Your Knees,'" she says. "But whatever. I am now used to every pronunciation."
Am I Saying This Right?
The BBC reporter in the video below does a great job at pronouncing her name, which does actually sound like "use your knees" when you listen to it a few times.
So does this little girl:
The Conclusion
My entire life is a lie, and now I will have the phrase "use your knees" stuck in my head until the wedding on October 12.
RELATED STORIES
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Her Makeup Artist Confirmed All Her Royal Wedding Beauty Products
And yes, you can shop them all here.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Beatrice Discusses "Sheer Worry" During Second Pregnancy After Learning Daughter Athena Would Arrive Early
"The uncertainty leaves you with an overwhelming fear of the unknown."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a Guest
Other famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Beatrice‘s Baby Daughter Shares a Sweet Tie to Princess Diana's Niece
Although they're not related, there's a connection between the Spencer and Mapelli-Mozzi families.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Lilibet Finds an Unexpected Royal Style Twin in '90s Throwback Photo
Lilibet's floral leggings and hot pink T-shirt look just like one royal relative's 1994 outfit.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Beatrice Channels Princess Kate in Shimmering Ivory Bows for First Post-Baby Appearance
The new mom honored a "close and personal" cause at a charity fundraiser.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice Are in a "Desperate Situation" Regarding Prince Andrew
"There's a whole history of bad judgment," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Pays Tribute to "Genuine" Friendship With Michelle Trachtenberg Following Her Death
Trachtenberg was first linked to the royal in 2013, calling Eugenie "true and real."
By Amy Mackelden Published