Queen Camilla has highlighted the significant progress made in the fight against osteoporosis during a reception at Clarence House in London, marking the 40th anniversary of the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). The event brought together staff, supporters, and celebrity ambassadors to celebrate the charity’s efforts in tackling the disease, which notably affected both the Queen’s mother, Rosalind Shand, and grandmother, Sonia.

Describing osteoporosis as a “silent thief hiding in plain sight,” Queen Camilla emphasized the often hidden and gradual nature of the condition, which weakens bones until they become fragile and prone to fractures. “It wreaks its havoc deep inside our bodies until, too late, we realise that the damage has been done,” she said. She cited how everyday activities like picking up a grandchild, slipping, or even sneezing can have severe consequences for those affected by bone density loss.

Queen Camilla’s personal connection to the disease has driven her long-standing commitment to the cause. She has supported the charity since 1994, becoming its patron in 1997 and president in 2001. The organisation, originally known as the National Osteoporosis Society, received royal approval to add “Royal” to its title in 2019. Over the past four decades, the charity has worked to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and promote better treatment options, which the Queen acknowledged would have been “beyond her family’s wildest dreams” when her mother and grandmother were afflicted.

At the reception, the Queen noted that while a cure for osteoporosis has not yet been found, strides made in research and patient care indicate that the medical community is “well on the way” to better solutions. She reflected on the early days of the disease’s recognition when it was poorly understood and often dismissed as an ailment affecting only elderly women exhibiting what was then termed “dowager’s hump.”

The event also featured appearances by several celebrity supporters of the ROS, including fashion designer Julien Macdonald, broadcasters Angela Rippon and Gloria Hunniford, and actors Felicity Kendal and Ross Kemp. Their involvement underscores the broader public engagement the charity has fostered in its mission to combat osteoporosis.

Overall, the anniversary reception served as a platform to both celebrate past achievements and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those living with osteoporosis, reinforcing the importance of continued research, education, and support.