Princess Eugenie has opened up about the challenges she faced while recovering from spinal surgery as a child, describing the period as “traumatic”, as she revealed her latest patronage.
The 29-year-old – who was this week announced as patron of charity Horatio’s Gardens which creates gardens for spinal centres – went under the knife at the age of just 12 and had two metal rods inserted along her spine, along with two 3.8cm screws in her neck to treat scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.
Eugenie, who tied the knot in October last year, explained the importance of staying positive throughout what can be a very challenging time and revealed how her love of nature helped her through it.
Taking to social media, Prince Andrew’s daughter expressed her gratitude at being involved with the British charity, following her own experiences as a former spinal patient, something she has spoken very openly about in the past.
“I am so happy to become patron of Horatio’s Garden which creates beautiful, and completely accessible, gardens for all patients at spinal injury centres across the UK,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a gorgeous photo of herself gardening.
“As a former spinal patient myself, I understand how the chance to get outside is so beneficial not only for recovery, but for staying positive at a life-changing, and often traumatic time.”
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Eugenie also revealed she had visited one of the charity’s gardens in Scotland in 2017 and just months ago saw the site that has been allocated for the space at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital where she underwent her own surgery.
“Since learning about this charity back in 2016, I have fallen in love with their mission to bring joy to people and help their recovery,” she added.
“I hope to learn from the patients I meet and the wonderful people working to create these gardens.”
The charity also shared in its delight of welcoming the princess as the patron, posting a stunning photo of the Eugenie on Instagram with a beautiful message.
“Horatio’s Garden would like to share with you the wonderful news that HRH Princess Eugenie has become our Royal Patron,” the post read. “We are so grateful to Her Royal Highness for this incredible honour and for supporting us in our mission to create and nurture a Horatio’s Garden at every NHS spinal injury centre in the UK.”
Eugenie has been very open about her experience with scoliosis over the years and even proudly showed off her surgery scar at her nuptials, opting to wear a stunning gown with a low-back for the televised event.
In an interview prior to the big day Eugenie spoke about the importance of loving yourself, scars and all.