Queen Camilla's niece Ayesha Shand has opened up about the support she received from her royal aunt during her battle with endometriosis.
The 30-year-old marketing executive spoke at the 13th Annual Endometriosis Foundation of America's Blossom Ball held at The Pierre Hotel in New York on May 15.
Shand, who last year described her condition as "agonising" and "unbearable", revealed how the Queen has been a pillar of strength throughout her health struggles.
"I'm very close to my aunt. She's been very supportive of my journey with endometriosis and has been really helpful and always listens to me," Shand told the Mail.
Queen Camilla's niece speaks out on royal aunt amid health struggle
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She went on to praise King Charles's wife as "incredibly intelligent, really funny, and very compassionate."
Shand underwent surgery about a year ago with internationally renowned endometriosis specialist Dr Tamer Seckin in New York City to remove lesions in her pelvic cavity.
The close bond between Shand and the Queen extends back to her childhood, with the royal's niece fondly recalling their shared activities.
"When I was younger, we used to read a lot together. She's actually a patron for a lot of reading organisations," Shand explained.
Ayesha Shand (left) pictured with Eugenie and the King and Queen back in 2015
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She added that much of their time together involved "a lot of walking." "The Brits, we love a walk. That's one of the main things that we do. Walk the dogs, that kind of thing," she said.
Shand attended the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in May 2023, later joking about her "five seconds of fame" after being spotted on the live broadcast.
Prior to her surgery, Shand revealed she faced significant challenges getting diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the body.
"I think it takes like 10 to 15 years for most people to get diagnosed," she explained.
Ayesha Shand attending the funeral of her father, Mark Shand, in 2014
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Shand consulted multiple doctors who told her she didn't have the condition. "I spent seven days in bed a month, unable to walk, passing out, vomiting, the works," she said, describing her monthly cycle.
The pain was so severe that she relied on powerful medication. "I used to spend days on OxyContin trying to go through the pain," Shand revealed.
Working was "incredibly difficult" before her surgery. "A lot of employers don't understand what's going on... it really affects your life. It makes it almost impossible to work," she told the publication.
Following her surgery, Shand expressed a profound sense of relief and renewal. "Now I feel totally free. It's like I have a new lease of life. It's amazing," she said at the Blossom Ball.
Ayesha Shand pictured at the Coronation in 2023
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In March, Shand announced a significant career change after eight years working alongside Princess Eugenie at art gallery Hauser & Wirth.
She accepted a position as US Vice President of Marketing for Trinny London, a UK-based skincare and makeup brand founded by entrepreneur and What Not to Wear star Trinny Woodall.
She remains actively involved with her father's charity and acknowledges Queen Camilla's support in this endeavour.
"She has been incredible in being there for me, not only personally but also in maintaining my father's legacy and being there for him," Shand has said. "I couldn't be more grateful. It does help with the grieving process."
