Princess Eugenie seems determined to make the most of her university experience when she begins studying at Newcastle next month. Rather than choosing to stay in private accommodation during her three year degree course, the 19-year-old royal has reportedly taken up a place in a £96 a week hall of residence.
Unlike her older sister Princess Beatrice, who moved into a grace and favour apartment in St James's Palace rather than accommodation at London's Goldsmiths College last September, Eugenie will be sharing a lounge and a kitchen with five fellow students. She will have her own bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a single bed, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a desk.
The brunette daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew will continue to have round the clock protection from a team of Metropolitan Police bodyguards, costing around £250,000 a year. A team will be relocating up to Newcastle and it is likely that one bodyguard will stay in the princess' flat while two officers live on campus as backup.
Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter achieved two As in art and English literature and a B in history of art for her A-levels last year. She will be studying for a BA in English and history of art.
"Eugenie is a very down to earth girl who hates using her title and she was adamant that she wanted to live in halls with her friends," a pal told the Daily Mail. "She just wants to be treated like any other undergraduate. She chose Newcastle because it offered a great degree course and it seems a really fun place to go."