Princess Eugenie on journey with scoliosis and how her mother helped her: 'She was amazing'

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Despite her royal title and public responsibilities, Princess Eugenie has always brought a relatable warmth to her public appearances.

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The royal, who has a ‘regular job’ as compared to her cousins, recently opened up about a deeply personal chapter from her childhood — her scoliosis diagnosis and the subsequent spinal surgery. The 35-year-old also offered a rare glimpse into her peaceful domestic life at home and how she manages motherhood and her royal duties.

Princess Eugenie opens up about her scoliosis journey

At the age of 12, Princess Eugenie underwent major spinal surgery to correct scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally to the side.

In an emotional interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Eugenie described her initial feelings as ‘very embarrassed,’ recalling the anxiety and fear that accompanied her as she approached the operation.

Remembering the ten days she spent lying flat post-surgery with titanium rods inserted into her spine, she said:

I couldn't get out of bed or do anything for myself.

Adding:

[I felt] very embarrassed about the whole thing.

I remember being woken up really early before my surgery – I pulled my blanket over my head. I said: 'I don't want to see anyone and I don't want them to see me'

Reportedly, her mother changed her perspective and encouraged her to wear her scar as a ‘badge of honour.’ Eugenie 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 became a positive memory, a part of me, that I could do something with in the future. I could help heal other people.

Her daily routine as a parent

Inspired by how her mother was a crucial part of her life, Eugenie pays utmost importance to her family life too. Beyond her impactful public advocacy, Princess Eugenie balances royal duties with a heartwarming family life alongside her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their sons, August and Ernest.

Despite her prominent role as part of Britain's Royal Family, Eugenie cherishes simplicity and routine in her private life.

She shared that she finds comfort in the ordinary moments of parenthood. Explaining how her favourite days are the ones where she is in her pyjamas by 7 PM, Eugenie said:

I get home from work and put the boys in the bath and don't have to go anywhere else. It's so relaxing.

She also revealed that she has passed on her passion for the arts to her children and tries to keep them busy with creative activities over the weekend. She joked: