Princess Eugenie plays Santa at north-west London hospital

 
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19 December 2012

Princess Eugenie compared scars with sick children and handed out gifts as she returned to the hospital where she underwent spine surgery as a youngster.

The princess visited the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore, north west London, this morning to spread some Christmas cheers to children who will be stuck on the ward over the festive period.

She spent the morning chatting to patients on the children's ward - some of whom could not believe they were meeting a real princess - and giving them presents.

In 2002 the princess underwent surgery aged just 12 at RNOH to treat her scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

During the visit Eugenie met the surgeon who did her operation and compared scars with some of the patients, according to Clare Kehoe, lead nurse for children's services at the hospital.

Mrs Kehoe said: "It was so lovely. She was very relaxed and informal. She made sure she spoke to all of the children.

"They compared some scars. She wore a dress with a hole in the back so they could see her scar.

"None of the children wanted her to leave without saying hello and shaking her hand. Everybody is on a high."

Princess Eugenie was made patron of the RNOH Charity's Redevelopment Appeal earlier this year.

The charity hopes to raise £15 million for hospital facilities, including an accommodation unit for the families of children being treated at the hospital, which will be named Princess Eugenie House.

Eugenie said: "It was a delight to return to the hospital and spend time with these brave children and help them forget what they're going through, especially at Christmas when you just want to be excited about toys, chocolate and Santa.

"I'm living proof of the way the RNOH can change people's lives, which is why I offered my support for the Redevelopment Appeal."

The princess also met parents of the children on the ward and members of staff who work at the hospital.

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