Michelle Trachtenberg’s death may have come as a shock to Princess Eugenie, as the Gossip Girl star previously documented the close friendship they shared on social media.

Princess Eugenie’s Heartbreak at the Death of ‘True’ Friend Michelle Trachtenberg: Inside Their Bond

Trachtenberg referred to the British princess as “my girl E” and a “wonderful human” in Instagram posts through the years

Michelle Trachtenberg and Princess Eugenie in a photo Tractenberg shared to Instagram in December 2020.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s death may have come as a shock to Princess Eugenie, as the Gossip Girl star previously documented the close friendship they shared on social media.

Trachtenberg died on Feb. 26 at age 39, and the NYPD confirmed to TH that she was found dead in her Midtown apartment early that morning. Criminality is not suspected in the actress’ death, and an investigation is ongoing.

Trachtenberg shared several photos with Princess Eugenie, 34, on her Instagram profile through the years, most recently praising the royal as “one of the most dearest, kindest, most genuine friends I have ever had in my life” in a 2020 post.

Eugenie lived in New York from 2013 to 2015 while working at online auction house Paddle8.

Michael K. William, guest, Michelle Tractenberg and Princess Eugenie at the Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Games at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 14, 2013 in New York City.

The pair was first photographed together at a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in December 2013, where they sat courtside with Michael K. Williams and another friend.

Eugenie and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star sat next to one another at the NBA game in the heart of Manhattan, where they watched the Knicks take on the Atlanta Hawks.

A few years later, Trachtenberg posted a photo with the British royal recapping the adventure they had in Los Angeles.

“Let the art tour continue….last week we went to The Broad museum, today I got a tour of the brand new Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery in downtown LA featuring ‘Abstract Sculpture by Women 1947-2016.’

Make sure you see the incredible #EvaHesse installation. Thanks to my girl E, for being my art guide!” the actress wrote on Instagram in March 2016, seemingly using “E” as shorthand for Eugenie.

“Oh and a couple other rascals joined in on the fun today. #art #sundayfunday. Friends who art together stay together!” Trachtenberg wrote, adding heart and paint palette emojis and tagging Hauser & Wirth, which is the art gallery where Eugenie works today.

The group photo showed Princess Eugenie and Trachtenberg together at the center of a shot with Eric Buterbaugh, photographer Tyler Shields and Ana Mulvoy Ten. Some wore sunglasses and everyone smiled at the camera.

Three days later, Trachtenberg shared a selfie with Eugenie for a tribute celebrating their friendship.

“There are few people in life that you meet that you know are true and real,” she wrote below the photo, which showed them smiling as the princess put a hand on the actress’ shoulder.

“This lady happens to be one of them. Friends really do mean a lot. Happy #stpatricksday May luck of love and friends be with you,” Trachtenberg wrote with green heart, twinkle star and shamrock emojis on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.

The Harriet the Spy star shouted out the royal again in a heartfelt Instagram post in December 2020 that described Eugenie as an “amazing person” and “wonderful human.”

“This is a #throwback post. And a dedication to an amazing person,” Trachtenberg the tribute, which featured an undated black and white photograph of her and Eugenie beaming with their heads together.

“I met this wonderful human. Years ago in New York. Eugenie, has been one of the most dearest, kindest, most genuine friends I have ever had in my life.

As we are going through these very challenging times. I’m finding new levels of gratitude,” she continued, apparently referencing the global COVID pandemic ongoing at the time.

“I am grateful for the relationships I have made over the years. I am grateful we have a vaccine on the way. I am grateful for the people who wear masks to protect themselves and others, and our front line workers.

This holiday season will be a challenge. Please stay safe, be smart. So that 2021 we can come back strong!” she wrote, adding the hashtags #throwback, #womancrushwednesday and #stayhome, plus a sparkling heart.

Princess Eugenie moved back to the U.K. for a new job at Hauser & Wirth in 2015, where she still works. Trachtenberg did not appear to attend Eugenie’s royal wedding to Jack Brooksbank in Windsor in October 2018, and it remains unclear if the pair stayed in touch.

Michelle Trachtenberg in January 2020; Princess Eugenie in April 2024.

The New York Post was first to report the news of Trachtenberg’s death on Feb. 26. The actress was best known for her roles as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

She got her start in commercials before landing parts on The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All My Children.

Her last credited role was in 2023, where she reprised her iconic character Georgina Sparks for the Gossip Girl reboot on Max.