Royal Watch News

Princess Eugenie completes charity bike race

Jun 11, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Sarah Ferguson congratulating Princess Eugenie

Britain's Princess Eugenie was greeted by her proud mother as she completed a 63-mile bike journey yesterday (10.06.12).

The 22-year-old royal - daughter of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson - was one of around 3,000 riders who cycled around London to raise money for various charities and the Duchess of York was there at the finish line to congratulate her.

The 52-year-old former royal was there with a collection of congratulatory helium balloons as Eugenie finished the route at 7.50am at Alexandra Palace, north London.

Eugenie raised more than £9,000 for her new patronage, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and for Marylebone Cricket Club.

This included a donation of £500 from her mother Sarah, while Prince Andrew's office gave £50.

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital holds a special place in Eugenie's heart because she underwent surgery at the hospital when she was 12 to correct her scoliosis.

She said her experience of her procedure, during which two 12-inch rods were placed in her back, has helped her relate to other patients with the same condition.

She said: 'I've got two 12-inch rods and eight screws going up my back keeping me straight and they fuse together with my spine so now I can't live without them.'