Princess Eugenie gives knitwear a spring makeover with short sleeved jumper and satin skirt at poignant London visit

Princess Eugenie isn’t a working member of the Royal Family, but she’s a dedicated Patron of several vital charities and organisations.

Princess Eugenie attends day 2 'Style Wednesday' of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 13, 2024
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

In 2016 she and Princess Beatrice became Honorary Patrons of Teenage Cancer Trust and on 23rd April they and their mother Sarah, Duchess of York visited the unit at University College London Hospital.

April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month and Princess Eugenie met with young people and their families, as well as NHS nurses and youth workers. It was so poignant and she struck the perfect styling balance of looking polished, but not detracting in any way from the work she was there to highlight.

This isn’t easy to do and it’s perhaps no surprise that if anyone was going to be an expert at it, it’s Princess Eugenie. She has given me so many spring outfit ideas already this year and her satin skirt and short sleeved jumper is yet another one to add to my list.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie speak to a nurse during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital

(Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Recreate Princess Eugenie's Outfit

The skirt is a Ralph Lauren design that’s sadly sold out in the ‘botanical green’ colourway she has, but it’s still available in powder blue and navy. The sheen of satin always makes a garment feel extra special and luxurious.

Because of this, I often reach for a satin skirt when I want to create a comfortable smart-casual outfit that will see me from day to night. They work well with a t-shirt tucked in or a chunky jumper draped over the top.

Princess Eugenie went for something in between these two top options. Her white crewneck jumper was a cashmere piece from Theory with short sleeves ending in ribbed cuffs.

Sarah, Duchess of York stands with her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital

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Shop More Short Sleeved Knits

The King’s niece loosely tucked her knit into her skirt to create a relaxed drape that felt very chic. Although knitwear is the last thing most of us want to wear as soon as spring arrives, there’s no denying that in the UK it’s often still an essential.

Going for a short sleeved jumper instead is a lovely way to still feel like you’re dressing for the season, but you aren’t compromising on warmth. Paler shades like white, ecru or camel are versatile and also have a springlike edge.

The soft creamy shade of Eugenie’s jumper looked so gorgeous against her muted green skirt and she kept to the neutral theme with her footwear. She styled her clothes with a pair of Penelope Chilvers suede knee high boots.

The warm undertones in the tan colour complemented the rest of her outfit and going for longer boots is a simple way to elongate your silhouette.

Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie pose for a photo with nurses and other department workers, during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at University College Hospital

(Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

To make a look like Princess Eugenie’s more low-key, I’d swap boots for white trainers or loafers. However, the heeled design of the royal’s boots meant they were quite formal and this was very appropriate for her significant visit as Teenage Cancer Trust’s Patron.

The next day she took to Instagram to thank everyone for having her, Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of York.

Princess Eugenie expressed gratitude for people sharing their "stories and hope" with them and reflected upon how important it is to "shine a light on the charity’s vital work, and the unique challenges young people with cancer face".

The T12 Teenage and Young Adult Unit at UCLH provides care for up to 20 patients aged between 13-19 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!