Eugenie spoke candidly about the “daunting” moment in her childhood when she underwent a scoliosis surgery in 2002. Princess Eugenie she did so on behalf of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which also has a charity the Princess is a patron for.
In a statement, Eugenie said: “As a former patient of the RNOH, and as Patron of the RNOH Charity, I am delighted to support The Buttercup Collection.
“I know from my own experience that being a child in hospital and having complex surgery can be very daunting.
“For almost 100 years, buttercups have offered hope at the RNOH, and I am so pleased to see this tradition continue in such a beautiful way.”
Patients at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital helped fundraise by making ceramic buttercups.
The hospital chose buttercups due to its connection to them as it was originally built near a buttercup field.
The design for the ceramic pieces was created by ceramicist and artist Clare Twomey who worked in her studio alongside RNOH patients.
Rachel Levene on of the participants, shared her testimony on the “uplifting” workshop.
She said: “The buttercup is such a simple but joyful symbol and to watch such a humble little flower be transformed into a vast and exquisitely beautiful creation, and to be a tiny part of that, was a tremendous honour.
“Let’s be proud of our uniqueness.”
Eugenie recently took on a new patronage for Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK) and the association announced the news last week.
A spokesman said: “We are pleased to announce that Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie has agreed to become the Royal Patron of the Scoliosis Association UK.
“HRH Princess Eugenie’s own personal story has been an inspiration to many of us and our families who are affected by scoliosis.
“We know that she will not only relate to the work that SAUK does in supporting those with scoliosis and their families and raise awareness of scoliosis, but also help to raise the profile of the charity and expand its appeal and its message.”
Stephanie Clark, co-founder and chair of SAUK, said: “I am absolutely delighted and grateful that Princess Eugenie is to be our royal patron.
“Her bravery and experience makes this a very personal decision, and will continue to offer encouragement to the many people of all ages who are struggling to come to terms with their scoliosis.”
To mark International Scoliosis Awareness Day, Eugenie wrote on Instagram: “Today is International Scoliosis Awareness Day and I’m very proud to share my X Rays for the very first time.
“I also want to honour the incredible staff at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital who work tirelessly to save lives and make people better.”
