The Duchess of Cornwall has spoken openly about the devastating loss of her mother,and the crippling disease that she suffered from. Speaking at anevent for the National Osteoporosis Society, of which she is president, the royal revealed how her mother's death pushed her toraise awareness about the debilitating disease.
“I became involved[with this charity] in 1994 after watching my mother stoicallysuffering the appalling pain and ignominy of this devastatingdisease, which in the end resulted in her early death at the age of72.
Camilla was the guest of honor at the National Osteoporosis Society reception Photo: Getty Images
“I was determined,for my mama's sake, to find out more and to find a way of helpingothers avoid the same excruciating pain and disregard that she, andmany of her generation encountered,” she continued.
To finish, Camilla concluded by saying, “We still have a long way to go. It isestimated that about three million people in the UK haveosteoporosis. One out of two women over the age of 50 will break abone as a result of it and I'm sorry to say that men don't get awaywith it either. One out of five of them will suffer a fracture too.
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“I can only hopeand pray that, with your help, the next thirty years will find a curefor osteoporosis, so that future generations will be spared itsravages.”
The 68-year-old wassupported at the event by her close family and friends including herson Tom Parker Bowles, daughter Laura Lopes, sister Annabel Elliottand Prince Charles's cousin Lady Sarah Chatto.
Also in attendanceat the event was Downton Abbey creator Sir Julian Fellowes, along-time supporter of NOS. “As you become older you become moreaware of the illnesses that strike older people,” he said.
“The Duchessparticularly has been fantastically helpful – the amount ofpublicity and interest she can generate has been really wonderful.”
By Emily Nash
