In a rare public appearance, HRH Princess Eugenie of York proved herself a picture of wit and charm at our Prudential Series event. She spoke about her career as a gallery director, how she balances her royal duties with a full-time job, and the artists she’ll be representing at this year’s Venice Biennale.

When asked what her perfect day would look like, Princess Eugenie reflected on how much she had enjoyed her time working at a gallery in New York. She also talked about her studies at Newcastle University, where she was one of the first royals to study for a university degree.

She shared how childhood trips to the V&A inspired her to enter the art industry, and how an exhibition of Gauguin’s work changed her perspective of the art world. Her mother Sarah Fergusson, Duchess of York who spoke at China Exchange last September, has been a huge influence and inspiration. When asked what motivates her, she said she is very proud of her family, and that it is friends and family who help to drive her forward: “what makes us as people is who we surround ourselves with”.