National Osteoporosis Society has Royal title approved by The Queen

The National Osteoporosis Society has had a rare Royal title approved by The Queen and today, announces 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 and the European Foundation for Osteoporosis, 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.

Our 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. A diagnosis that finally put a name to the pain and ignominy that many thousands of sufferers have endured for so long. 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, says: “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 past 30 years and confirming the charity as the home of osteoporosis and bone health.

“In 2019, we will set out our work programmes which support the charity’s new strategic direction. We want people to have the best possible bone health throughout their lives and provide hope by working towards a cure.

“We will continue to help more people receive a diagnosis quickly, provide support for those living with the condition and continue to influence policy and key decision makers so that the nation’s bone health is improved. As our ambition around a cure for osteoporosis unfolds we will be talking with more academics and researchers about innovations in bone health and our vision of a future without osteoporosis.”

Ambassadors of the charity include Miriam Margolyes, Susan Hampshire, Wendy Craig, Nerys Hughes, Diana Moran and Craig Revel Horwood. On the announcement, Craig said: “This ‘Royal’ news is simply fab-u-lous. I’m incredibly proud to be associated with the charity and to be able to raise awareness of osteoporosis and bone health. I’m going to celebrate this news with a cha-cha-cha darling."