Princess Eugenie recently stepped out in support of a cause that holds deep personal significance for her, while also honoring her role as a senior member of the royal family. The 35-year-old royal, who is 12th in line to the British throne, visited Horatio’s Garden at Salisbury District Hospital on Saturday, where she captivated attendees with her humility and heartfelt compassion.
The charity, Horatio’s Garden, is dedicated to creating beautiful sanctuaries in NHS spinal injury centers, helping nurture the wellbeing of those recovering from traumatic spinal injuries. Eugenie, who underwent major spinal surgery for scoliosis at age 12, feels a strong connection to the mission and was visibly moved during her visit.
During her time at the hospital, Eugenie made an emotional admission about her own experience, recalling the physical and emotional challenges she faced after her operation. “I had a corner room in the hospital with two windows looking out over a car park,” she told The Telegraph. “I was too young to notice I couldn’t get outside; all I cared about was where my parents and sister were. I couldn’t get out of bed or do anything for myself.”
After undergoing surgery that involved the insertion of eight-inch titanium rods along her spine and screws at the top of her neck, Eugenie was confined to bed for 10 days and couldn’t return to school for four months. She admitted she felt “very embarrassed” at the time—particularly when she needed help with basic tasks like dressing and bathing. She was also self-conscious about the long scar down her back.
However, Eugenie credited her mother, Sarah Ferguson, for helping her change her perspective. “She’d say, ‘My daughter is superhuman, check out her scar.’ Suddenly it became something to be proud of—a badge of honor.” That shift in mindset turned her difficult experience into a source of strength and purpose.
Now, Eugenie is using her platform to help others facing similar challenges. Through her work with charities like Horatio’s Garden, Eugenie continues to inspire countless individuals by turning her pain into purpose.