Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”

This story is originally published in Huck 83: Life Is a Journey – The 20^th Anniversary Issue. Order your copy now.

If you’ve been to any kind of buzzy party in London over the past 40 years, then you will have almost definitely witnessed the presence of Princess Julia. She’s a true legend of London nightlife, an icon of the LGBTQ+ community, the spirit of the city’s fashion scene, the soundtrack to having a good time and a muse to the creative world. 

Having gone out to a party in 1978 and not really ever stopped, Princess Julia, as well as providing cultural cache by being on the guestlist, is a highly sought after DJ at bleeding edge functions in the capital and beyond. She’s been present at the birth (and demise) of all the scenes London has thrown at us, from punk, The New Romantics and goth, to acid house, Britpop and brat… and she shows no sign of stopping. 

She’s seen it all and that’s why we’re extremely honoured to say that Princess Julia is Huck’s 20^th Anniversary issue Artist-in-Residence.

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How is life, Princess Julia? 

Everything is much the same as usual, there’s highs and lows, and bits in between, right now things have perked up. I’ll be 66 in April, I always state my age as I can’t believe

I’m still around. I try to cram as much in as possible, explore and enjoy every moment.

Are you comfortable with being called an icon? 

I feel like I get called that a lot more lately. It just goes to show, if you hang around long enough you’ll get an upgrade in status! Having said that everything and everyone seems to be ​‘iconic’ nowadays. Ha ha! I’ll take it!

How have parties changed over the past 40 years?  

All the parties I have been to have had their own highlights, that’s the joy of partying. I love an event (as you’ve probably guessed), a club night, or a rave (day or night). Over the years things have definitely changed in the way you find out about parties and happenings and how we report on them.

• Read next: Queer nightlife in crisis: 8 of London’s biggest parties unite to save LGBTQ+ venues

What is the most important piece of advice you’ve ever had? 

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again (an old adage really). But even when things go awry you learn from the experience and move forward.

What’s the most important piece of advice you have given? 

Always be curious. 

Would you rather be remembered as a great person or great artist?

Ideally both, life is all about finding balance.

What gives you hope? 

Positive outlook, people bold enough to switch things up for the better.

We want our Artist-in-Residence to expand your mind. So here are some cultural things Princess Julia recommends you explore.

Film: 

Pink Flamingos by John Waters

Song/​piece of music:

Patrick Cowley — ​‘Menergy (feat. Sylvester)’

Museum or gallery:

Sadie Coles HQ

Piece of art or photograph:

My portrait by Chantal Joffe.

An inspiring fellow artist:

Richard Porter, who’s show is on at Amanda Wilkinson Gallery.

Josh Jones is Huck’s editor. Follow him on Instagram.

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