Princess Eugenie opens up about her 'sense of shame' when she first saw her scoliosis scar - but reveals the 'amazing' family member who helped her think it was 'a cool thing'
The royal mother-of-two, 34, also opened up about how her mother Sarah Ferguson raised her to be proud of her scar after she went underwent surgery for scoliosis at the age of 12.
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter had rods inserted into her spine after she was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and told that she would need corrective surgery.
After eight hours of surgery she spent three days in intensive care, a week on a spinal ward and six days in a wheelchair before she was able to walk again.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Eugenie revealed she had a 'sense of shame' when she couldn't wash or dress herself and was shown her scar, which runs down her neck and spine.
However, she claimed her mother Duchess of York removed all the stigma about the scar and helped her see it in a positive light.
She said: 'She was amazing. She'd ask me if she could show it to people, then she'd turn me around and say, "my daughter is superhuman, you've got to check out her scar".
'All of sudden it was a badge of honour – a cool thing I had. It trained my brain that it's ok, scars are cool.
'It became a positive memory, a part of me, that I could do something with in the future. I could help heal other people.'
After a tumultuous few months after surgery the young Princess had to be turned gently in bed and wear a brace.
Eugenie, who has since became a patron of Horatio's Garden in 2019, which helps nurture the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres, often speaks about the stigma surrounding scoliosis.
Last year she posted a sweet tribute to her mother on Instagram, where she has spent the week making further posts to raise awareness of the condition.
Sharing a photo of herself as a toddler being led out of a car by Fergie, Eugenie wrote: 'My mum caught my scoliosis early and I was lucky enough to get the help I needed at 12 years old.
'I thank her so much for that and also thank her for the confidence to be proud of my scar.
'She removed all the stigma around having scoliosis for me by confidently showing people what I'd been through and it took all the fear and anxiety out of being different at such a young age.
'I am forever grateful and wish everyone to be proud of their scars.'
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine which can cause uneven shoulders. Many people who suffer from the condition struggle to find clothes that fit due to the body shape it creates.
Although treatment is not always necessary for the condition, some people who develop scoliosis can be required to wear a back brace to stop the curve worsening as they get older.
In cases where surgery is required, patients may undergo a spinal fusion operation; a procedure that can last up to seven hours.
Writing for the RNOH Charity, she said: ;In 2002, when I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and told that I would need corrective surgery.
'This was, of course, a scary prospect for a 12-year-old; I can still vividly remember how nervous I felt in the days and weeks before the operation.
The Princess continued: 'During my operation, which took eight hours, my surgeons inserted eight-inch titanium rods into each side of my spine and one-and-a-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.'
Eugenie wore her surgery scars with pride during her nuptials to Jack on 12 October 2018 in a stunning backless wedding dress.
The doctor who performed her surgery was even in attendance at the ceremony, invited by Eugenie.
In 2020, Eugenie posted a photo of herself on her wedding day, in which her scar, which runs down her spine, is visible thanks to her low-back bridal gown.
She shared the snap in honour of International Scoliosis Awareness Day and encouraged other people to share photos of their scars with her in return.
Eugenie wrote: 'Let's be proud of our scars! I'd love to repost any of your images on my stories so please tag me and I will share.
'To all of you who have just received the diagnosis, to those wearing braces, to those recovering from an operation and for those who have lived with a scar for years - My thoughts are with you on Scoliosis Awareness Day.
'Thank you to the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and researchers at Scoliosis Support & Research.'
After seeing the post, her mother Fergie posted a heart emoji in response.
In 2020 Eugenie has shared a photograph of her back scar from the life-changing spinal surgery to mark International Scoliosis Awareness Day.
She posted the image to her personal Instagram account late last night to mark the event.
Her 1.1million followers were quick to praise her 'inspirational' snap after she encouraged them to be 'proud and share their scars' with the world.
'Today is International Scoliosis Awareness Day,' Eugenie explained. 'I just wanted to share my scar and encourage anyone out there who's gone through something similar to share theirs with me.
'Let's be proud of our scars! I'd love to repost any of your images on my stories so please tag me and I will share. #internationalscoliosisawarenessday.'
Royal fans praised the princess for her candid photograph, with one writing: 'You're a great spokesperson! What a beautiful soul you are.'
A second said: 'Such an inspiration! Went through the same surgery when I was 11 (now 30!) never been ashamed of my scars, they tell an interesting story!'
Another penned: 'I have had this surgery in October 2019 and you truly help me to not be ashamed of my scar and to proudly show it as it is a part of me now.'
A fourth added: 'You are seriously the coolest princess,' while a fifth wrote: 'I remember your wedding dress - you were proud to show your scar.'
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine in an S-shape.
Signs include a visible curve in the spine, one shoulder or hip being more prominent than the other, clothes not hanging properly and back pain.
Pain usually only affects adults with the condition.
In most cases, the cause of the scoliosis is not known but it can be caused by cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
In the UK, scoliosis affects three to four children could of every 1,000.
It is also thought that as many as 70 per cent of over 65s have some degree of scoliosis.
It is more common in women than in men.
Most children with the condition do not require treatment as it is mild and corrects itself as the child grows.
However, in severe cases the child may need to wear a back brace until they stop growing.
Occasionally, a child needs surgery to straighten their spine.
In adults, it is usually too late to treat the condition with a back brace or surgery so treatment revolves around reducing pain.
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