Eugenie added: “Without the care I received at the RNOH I wouldn’t look the way I do now; my back would be hunched over. And I wouldn’t be able to talk about scoliosis the way I now do, and help other children who come to me with the same problem.

“My back problems were a huge part of my life, as they would be for any 12-year-old. Children can look at me now and know that the operation works. I’m living proof of the ways in which the hospital can change people’s lives.”

Scoliosis, according to the NHS, “is where the spine twists and curves to the side.”

Signs of scoliosis include:

a visibly curved spine
leaning to one side
uneven shoulders
one shoulder or hip sticking out
the ribs sticking out on one side
clothes not fitting well

Some people with scoliosis may also have back pain. This tends to be more common in adults with the condition.

You can find out more on NHS UK. Or, if you prefer, Scoliosis Association UK has more information about the different types of scoliosis.

Image: Rex Features

Why Princess Eugenie is inspired to “live fearlessly”, despite painful medical condition