Princess Eugenie has received sad news about the cause of death of her close friend Michelle Trachtenberg as she prepares to return to the UK.
The New York City medical examiner revealed on Wednesday that the 39-year-old actress died from complications related to diabetes.
The announcement comes two months after Trachtenberg's death, which prompted a heartfelt tribute from the Princess of York.
Eugenie, 35, was recently spotted in Bahrain with family before her planned return home.
Princess Eugenie receives sad news as she prepares for UK return
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Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", was found unconscious in her Manhattan apartment in February.
Officials initially listed her death as "undetermined" as her family had objected to an autopsy. The medical examiner's office honoured this request as there was no evidence of criminality.
After reviewing laboratory test results, the office amended the cause of death to complications from diabetes.
Princess Eugenie and Trachtenberg formed a close bond after the royal moved to New York City in 2013.
Michelle Trachtenberg and Princess Eugenie pictured over a decade agoInstagram / Michelle TrachtenbergThe pair were frequently seen socialising together, including watching the Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks in December that year.
Their friendship spanned over a decade, with the actress and the Princess maintaining their connection despite Eugenie's royal duties.
Trachtenberg was 39 when she passed away on 26 February 2025.
Following Trachtenberg's death, Princess Eugenie shared a touching tribute on Instagram Stories alongside a black and white photo of the pair.
Michelle Trachtenberg and Princess Eugenie became close friends during the royal's gap year in the USInstagram / Michelle Trachtenberg"Goodbye special friend," she wrote. "You are so loved and missed. Thank you for so many memories of laughter and fun."
The Princess recalled her friend's thoughtfulness, adding: "My favourite was listening to you order food, always done with precision so you got exactly what we all wanted."
She concluded: "I'm thinking of you up there friend, of your spirit that was so bright."
Princess Eugenie is now preparing to return to the UK after being photographed in Bahrain for the Formula 1 event.
Michelle Trachtenberg died aged 39 at the end of February from complications related to diabetes
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She attended the F1 alongside her husband Jack Brooksbank and sister Princess Beatrice.
Trachtenberg had publicly expressed her admiration for Eugenie on several occasions.
In March 2016, she posted on Instagram: "There are few people in life that you meet that you know are true and real. This lady happens to be one of them."
In 2020, the actress again praised Eugenie, describing her as "the most dearest, kindest, most genuine friends I have ever had in my life."
