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.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Exclusive: Princess Eugenie's on a Mission to Save Coral Reefs—And It Starts at Home
'Marie Claire' speaks with the royal about her role in a new ocean conservation exhibit.
-
Princess Eugenie Has Allegedly "Formed an Alliance" With Prince William, Which Could Impact Her Future Within the Royal Family
A "shared passion" has "brought the cousins closer together."
-
How an "Olive Branch" From King Charles to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Could Be a "Huge Problem" for the Royal Family
"It would send a message that would not be appropriate at the moment," a royal expert explained.
-
King Charles Is Keeping These Royals "On Ice" to Pitch In When Prince William Becomes King
"I think it would be wonderful, and I think it will happen."
-
This "Darling" Royal Child Looks Just Like His Mom in New Photos
The resemblance is uncanny.
-
Princess Eugenie Has Been Given a Special New Royal Role by Uncle King Charles Amid Slimmed Down Monarchy
The princess announced the exciting news on Instagram May 23.
-
Princess Beatrice Recycles One of Her Maternity Dresses For Second Red Carpet Appearance in a Week
The princess made a surprise trip to NYC.
-
Princess Eugenie Shares a Spring Sister Style Moment With Princess Beatrice at Chelsea Flower Show
Eugenie coordinated with her big sis in blue florals.