Princess Eugenie's wedding dress carried an inspiring message about self-image
At her royal wedding, Princess Eugenie wore a dress with a low-cut back that revealed a long scar from an operation on her spine, inspiring others with back scars to share photos and feel more comfortable with their bodies.
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Eugenie, who had surgery to correct her scoliosis at age 12 according to CNN, worked with designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos on her wedding dress. The low-cut back is deliberate, and meant to show her scar.
Image: Toby Melville / wpa pool / Getty Images
She spoke about the design decision in an interview on ITV, saying, "I think you can change the way beauty is, and you can show people your scars and I think it's really special to stand up for that."
Eugenie's decision to refrain from hiding her scar caught the attention of others with scars from scoliosis surgery, who voiced support for Eugenie and spoke about how it was inspiring sight to see.
LOVE this beautiful shot by @jeremyselwyn1 of the back of Eugenie's @PeterPilotto gown. She specifically requested the low back which reveals the scar from the operation she had for scoliosis aged 12. #royalwedding #jackandeugenie pic.twitter.com/wFIIXY6Vk6
— Emily Nash (@emynash) October 12, 2018
I didn’t realise I had anything in common with princess #Eugenie , but this is wonderful. I exposed my #scoliosis scar in my wedding dress, but never thought it beautiful - until now. It’s part of me & I’m lucky to be able to tell the tale! Thank you #NHS https://t.co/jYzK4wMkLj
— Emma (@EmmaL_D) October 12, 2018
Some shared their own scars on Twitter.
I also chose a wedding dress to show off my scar. Much needed awareness for this condition. Well done Princess Eugenie 💪❤️ pic.twitter.com/IPHQ5RryP4
— Mrs Ross (@EllenRoss86) October 12, 2018
So proud to see princess Eugenie showing off her spinal surgery scar I also have one! I'm also very proud of it and won't hide it ever! #RoyalWedding #scheurmannskyphosis #surgery #love #RoyalWedding #royalweddingdress pic.twitter.com/CCC0gKFFMZ
— Marc Anthony Scott (@thisismarc23) October 12, 2018
Eugenie is a patron of the hospital where she received her surgery — the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London — and even invited individuals involved with the hospital's charity to the Windsor Castle grounds for the wedding.
❤️👸🏼 Lovely to see Princess Eugenie wearing her Scoliosis scar with pride. Eugiene is the Patron of the Royal National Orthopeadic Hospital and has the same surgery as me👨🏼⚕️❤️ #Scoliosis #Scar #Wedding #Royals #Windsor #PrincessEugenie #RNOH #Stanmore pic.twitter.com/jnPyYsL0CE
— MissDFoster (@MissDFoster) October 12, 2018
Scoliosis is a relatively common condition in which a person's spine has an abnormal curve to it. While some cases are relatively mild, more extreme instances of scoliosis can be treated with surgery to improve posture, reduce pain, and lessen the threat of more serious complications.
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