Princess Eugenie’s scoliosis battle including inspiring released photo and wedding dress tribute
Princess Eugenie has candidly shared her personal journey of battling scoliosis, a debilitating health condition. Her story sheds light on the challenging journey she has taken over the years and her determination to inspire others.
The royal's own experience with scoliosis began when she was just 12 years old. She underwent a complex operation on her spine to address the condition, a procedure that involved the insertion of titanium rods and screws to straighten her spine.
In her own words, Princess Eugenie explained during a visit to the Royal National Orthopaedic Prosthetic Rehab Unit: “After everything I went through as a child with scoliosis, I know from my own experience how debilitating an orthopaedic condition can be."
She emphasised how the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital holds a special place in her heart for its life-changing work.
Princess Eugenie also penned an essay published on the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) website where she recounted her surgery and recovery. Describing her operation, Eugenie wrote: "My surgeons inserted eight-inch titanium rods into each side of my spine and 1.5-half inch screws at the top of my neck. After three days in intensive care, I spent a week on a ward and six days in a wheelchair, but I was walking again after that."
She described the challenging process of being bed-bound, wearing a neck brace, and enduring limitations on her physical activities. However, she also emphasised her determination to regain her mobility and lead a fulfilling life.
Eugenie admitted to having self-esteem issues before her surgery, particularly concerning how her condition made her different. Post-surgery, she grappled with frustration as her body adapted to the changes.
She recalled her thoughts at the time, saying: "Will I be able to play sports, or will I look the same, or will I miss a lot of school and be behind?"
Even after returning to school, she continued to face limitations, but she remained steadfast in her belief that, eventually, she would regain the ability to do the things she loved.
As she grew older, Princess Eugenie decided to celebrate her scar rather than hide it. At her wedding to Jack Brooksbank, she proudly chose a gown with an open back.
The dress featured a v-shaped back which showed the scar from the life-changing spinal surgery – a design feature the princess specifically requested.
Speaking about showing off her scars as she hinted at her wedding dress design, Eugenie told Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes she thought it was important to "show off your scars."
She said: "I'm patron of their appeal and I had an operation when I was 12 on my back, and you'll see on Friday, but it's a lovely way to honour the people who looked after me and a way ofstanding up for young peoplewho also go through this.
"I think you can change the way beauty is, and you can show people your scars and I think it's really special to stand up for that.
"So that's one really important one.
"But separate to that, other organisations that are there, it's just very important that they get a chance to be honoured for the work that they do constantly, so it's lovely that I can share this special day with them."
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