His sire, Prince Rose, stood at the Haras de Cheffreville stud farm in France and was mated to the mare Cosquilla.
When World War II broke out, the pregnant mare was shipped to Ireland, where she gave birth to Princequillo.
Considering the danger from German bombing and the likelihood there would be no racing for some considerable time, Cosquilla's owners shipped her and her colt to the United States.
After a few races, he was purchased by Boone Hall Stable, owned by Prince Dimitri Djordjadze of Georgia and his American-born wife, Audrey Emery.
He garnered the nickname Mr. Fixit at stud thanks to his ability to sire foals with good conformation and soundness.