has been hit with some sad news this week as her close friend Michelle Trachtenberg has died at the age of 39.

The sad news of the death of the former Gossip Girl actress was confirmed on Wednesday as police said she was found at an apartment "unconscious and unresponsive" in Manhattan. Police have said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

As fans of Michelle grieve around the world, it is likely Princess Eugenie, 34, is also experiencing a wave of loss after forming a close friendship with the actress.

Prince Andrew's youngest daughter bonded with Michelle when she was living and working in New York in 2013.

The duo were seen together for the first time at Madison Square Garden in December 2013, where they watched a basketball game together.

In 2016, Michelle and Eugenie were spotted together again as they toured Hauser & Wirth art gallery in downtown LA together.

In a caption on Instagram at the time, Michelle referred to Eugenie as her "art guide" and nicknamed the royal "my girl E".

Despite Eugenie moving back to the UK, it appears the friendship was still ongoing and strong, with Michelle's latest post of Eugenie being in 2020, with the actress sharing an old photograph of the pair together.

The post was written during the Covid-19 lockdown.

She wrote at the time: "This is a #throwback post. And a dedication to an amazing person. 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."

Princess Eugenie has not yet publicly addressed Michelle's death. It is not known when the friends had last seen or spoken to one another.