Queen Elizabeth's Cousin Flora Vesterberg Reveals Autism Diagnosis at Age 30: 'I Feel Relieved'
Princess Alexandra's granddaughter Flora Vesterberg shared that she was diagnosed with autism earlier this year
Flora, 30, said she navigated challenges around her neurodiversity since childhood but felt compelled to pursue testing before undertaking a PhD
The British royal family member said the diagnosis empowered her with a framework "to understand my experiences and sensitivities"Queen Elizabeth's cousin Flora Vesterberg has shared that she was diagnosed with autism at age 30.
Flora is the granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, a first cousin of the late Queen, and opened up about her diagnosis in a first-person essay for British Vogue on May 25.
"Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths," Flora began the essay. "Like many women, I only recently felt compelled to pursue a clinical assessment. It followed an urgent need for clarity ahead of beginning my PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art," the art historian and broadcaster said.
Following the diagnosis, Flora said that she felt "empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities," and that the diagnosis gave her "a sense of relief as well as validation."
"I know that this will not only help me to be kinder to myself, but also help my community to support me effectively," she wrote.
Flora said the diagnosis followed testing with Dr. Dimitrios Paschos, a leading consultant psychiatrist and honorary research fellow at King's College London, and mentioned that she was reflecting during Autism Awareness Month, which is observed around the world in April.
The royal family member also shouted out the Now I Know campaign organized by the National Autistic Society of the U.K., which features a series of videos and photographs highlighting the experiences of women and non-binary individuals who were also diagnosed with autism later in life.
"As someone who has previously felt overwhelmed by the limitations of undiagnosed autism, this series offered a powerful sense of community and relatability," Flora wrote. "It was also a reminder that autism comes in many different forms and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or career."
The daughter of James and Julie Oglivy said that the diagnosis brought her clarity and voiced a wish to help other women with autism advocate for what they need.
"Whilst my journey with autism feels like it only truly began with my diagnosis, I feel relieved to now have a clearer understanding of my emotional needs as well as the strengths that I should lean into," she wrote elsewhere in the essay. "...These can sometimes be overshadowed by the accompanying struggles, but that's when I hope to encourage myself – and other autistic women – to be open with their community, and develop rituals to help them embrace their neurodiversity."
Flora turned 30 in December 2024 and cited a statistic from Dr. Paschos that 80% of women with autism remain undiagnosed by age 18. She said she penned the essay "in the hope that I can contribute to advocating for a shift in that statistic over time."
Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
The PhD. student married Timothy Vesterberg, a Swedish financier and former professional hockey player, in a private ceremony at the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in September 2020 amid the COVID pandemic, followed by a church blessing one year later with royal wedding energy.
There, the bride sparkled in Princess Alexandra's Ogilvy Tiara in its pearl setting for the celebration attended by Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife Sophie Winkleman and more royal family members.
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