Princess Eugenie Credits Mom Sarah Ferguson For Embracing Her Surgery Scars

Princess Eugenie's mom, Sarah Ferguson, is her biggest fan!

The Princess recalled a core memory of her mother easing the mental burden of being super conscious of her surgery scars after she bravely fought for her life on the surgery table.

Princess Eugenie went under the knife for a major back surgery at the tender age of 12 to correct her scoliosis, and she is now spending her time providing support to survivors of spinal surgery.

Princess Eugenie recently visited the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, England, to advocate for a passionate cause: Horatio's Garden. As a patron of the organization, she supports its mission to create serene outdoor spaces for patients recovering from spinal surgery or injuries. 

Reflecting on her experience while battling with scoliosis as a teenager, she recounted the challenges of being bedridden and the difficulty of not being able to move independently.

However, through her work with Horatio's Garden, she has witnessed the profound impact that nature can have on healing. She emphasized the tranquility of natural sounds, like birds singing and flowing water.

Eugenie recalls her surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, where Horatio's Garden has a beautiful installation designed for patients' enjoyment, even from their hospital beds.

While she did not pay much attention to the outdoor world as a child, she does remember the isolation of being unable to reach out to others.

"But I do remember watching someone waving to my incredible red-haired nurse through the window and having this feeling that I couldn't reach them. I couldn't get out of bed or do anything for myself," she said.

Although Eugenie initially felt embarrassed about the scars from her surgery, her mother, Sarah Ferguson, helped her view them positively. By proudly showcasing Eugenie's scar and calling her "superhuman," she reframed the narrative around her experience. 

This support transformed Eugenie's perspective, allowing her to see her scars as a badge of honor and a source of empowerment that could inspire and heal others.

Per PEOPLE, the royal shared that she now views this chapter of her life as a powerful element of her identity, enabling her to help others in their healing journeys.

Eugenie reflects on how motherhood has profoundly shaped her understanding of the medical challenges she experienced as a child, particularly concerning her surgery.

She acknowledges that her parents, Ferguson and Prince Andrew, must have felt immense fear, even if she does not recall seeing it. As a mother herself, she admits to feeling a sense of panic over her own children's minor injuries, illustrating the protective instinct that comes with parenting.

In her work with Horatio's Garden, Eugenie emphasizes that the therapeutic spaces are beneficial not just for spinal patients but also for their families.

She recognizes the need for a calming environment where children can play and patients can find solitude to cope with their conditions. The difficulty of adjusting to the limitations imposed by a spinal injury is a reality she openly addresses.

Moreover, Eugenie actively supports children facing similar spinal surgeries by sharing her experiences and offering encouragement.

She recalls how these children often find it hard to voice their concerns and assures them that it is okay to feel vulnerable about their situations, including their scars and the entire process. 

She emphasizes the importance of trusting the caregivers, whom she describes as "angels," encouraging young patients to embrace their care without fear.

In an interview last month, Ferguson opened up about her devastating double cancer diagnosis, which she described as feeling like a "death sentence."

As noted by The Blast, she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, undergoing a mastectomy, only to learn six months later that she had malignant melanoma.

Despite the challenges posed by her illnesses, the Duchess of York found strength in her adversity, redirecting her energy towards supporting young cancer patients through the Teenage Cancer Trust. This commitment has also inspired her two daughters to join her cause.

As they prepared for a joint outing to raise awareness for young people with cancer, Ferguson reflected on the significance of their involvement. She also shared her insights about dealing with cancer at an older age, stating:

"I was 63 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, and cancer at any age is traumatic." 

However, she emphasized that adults like her have the maturity and life experience to advocate for themselves and cope with challenges. "We can seek help if we need it, and most importantly, your voices are, sadly, often taken more seriously," she noted.

On Wednesday, April 23, Ferguson, Princess Beatrice, and Eugenie visited teenagers living with cancer at a London facility. 

As they prepared for the visit, Ferguson expressed that the outing was particularly meaningful to her, aligning with her mission to raise awareness for young individuals battling cancer. 

She emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard, particularly teenagers and young adults who are frequently neglected in health planning and policy discussions. 

Ferguson also highlighted the need to recognize and support these young victims, whose experiences are often overlooked.

Last year, Ferguson expressed her admiration for King Charles and Kate Middleton after they shared their cancer diagnoses. She praised both for their honesty, describing them as an inspiration for families facing similar health challenges. 

Ferguson was particularly moved by a video featuring Kate during her chemotherapy, appreciating the Princess of Wales' comforting message of support to others.

"I love how the Princess reassured everyone, saying, I'm always there for you. I love that video. It was a beautiful video with beautiful words," Ferguson stressed.

Furthermore, Ferguson commended King Charles for his courageous first public appearance following his diagnosis at the Macmillan Cancer Centre in London. The Duchess of York labeled the king's actions as brave and commendable.

Princess Eugenie and her mom, Sarah Ferguson, have set enviable standards for the royals and non-royals!