Princess Eugenie lifted young patients' spirits when she paid a surprise visit to a children’s ward in Stanmore today.

The Princess of York met patients at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, many of whom will be spending Christmas on the ward.

Princess Eugenie had corrective surgery at the hospital after being diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 12-years-old. She said: “It was a delight to return to the hospital and spend time with these brave young 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.”

Princess Eugenie is a patron for the hospital's Redevelopment Appeal which aims to raise £15million to provide hospital facilities, including an accommodation unit for the families of children being treated at the hospital.

Lead nurse Clare Kehoe said: “The arrival of Princess Eugenie caused lots of excitement in the children’s ward - the impact the Princess has had really has lifted the children’s spirits.

“This time of year is always challenging for our young patients and their families, which is why we went that extra mile to secure an extra special visitor for Christmas.”