The Duchess of Cornwall marks World Osteoporosis Day 2020

The Duchess of Cornwall has commended those working to support people living with osteoporosis and discussed her personal experiences with the disease during a video message to mark World Osteoporosis Day 2020.

Her Royal Highness said:

I became involved with osteoporosis 26 years ago after my mother died as a result of this devastating disease.  In those dark old days it was seldom discussed, rarely diagnosed and usually attributed to old women with so-called ‘dowager’s humps’.  My family and I knew nothing about it and were at a loss to know how we could help alleviate the terrible pain she suffered.

But how times have changed – today huge strides have been made in the treatment and research into osteoporosis, and we now know how it can be prevented and how we can support those who are living with it. 

The Duchess of Cornwall has been President of the Royal Osteoporosis Society since 2001 and became involved with the charity following the deaths of her mother and grandmother as a result of the condition. During Her Royal Highness's association with the charity, she has also visited many bone units and hospitals across the country to raise awareness about the condition. The Duchess also hosted a tea for the charity at Clarence House on World Osteoporosis Day. 

Watch The Duchess's video message in full or read it here. 

The Duchess of Cornwall has also congratulated Christine Sharp, the new winner of the Duchess of Cornwall Award, via phone. The award exists to recognise an individual for their outstanding contribution to the field of osteoporosis.

This year’s winner Christine is a long standing Royal Osteoporosis Society volunteer and has supported the charity for over ten years. Christine suffers from osteoporosis herself and has an ambition to stop more people suffering by raising awareness and funds for the Royal Osteoporosis Society.