The National Osteoporosis Society, which has HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (pictured) as its president, has had a rare Royal title approved by The Queen and has announced its intention to be known as the Royal Osteoporosis Society in 2019.
The award of the Royal title is timely to acknowledge the 25th anniversary and landmark decision of the disease being formally endorsed and recognises the significant progress made since then. In 1994, thanks to the work of the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) and the European Foundation forOsteoporosis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced an internationally recognised definition for osteoporosis. The definition gave a name and meaning to the pain and suffering that people knew they were experiencing but was not acknowledged.
Prior to this, people who may have lost height or changed body shape could meet many healthcare professionals without getting a diagnosis. With bones in their spine breaking, squashing and never returning to normal, or suffering from a broken bone from an everyday bump, those with osteoporosis had little understanding of their condition or what to do about it.
The charity’s president, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, commented: “It’s hard to believe that it was only 25 years ago that osteoporosis was given an official diagnosis. Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of ageing and I believe that, by looking after our bones, we can make our later years healthier and happier.”
The charity’s chief executive, Claire Severgnini, said: “This is an incredible honour which marks a significant moment in osteoporosis and bone health history; recognising the contribution the charity has made over the past30 years and confirming the charity as the home of osteoporosis and bone health.”
