Flora Vesterberg Reveals 'Empowering' Autism Diagnosis at Age 30
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Flora Vesterberg, a member of the British royal family, opened up about her autism diagnosis in a new essay for British Vogue.
'I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths,' she wrote. '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. As a result of the diagnosis, I feel empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities. It brings 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.'
Vesterberg (née Ogilvy), 30, is a granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth. Currently 61st in line for the British throne, Vesterberg is the daughter of James Ogilvy and Julia Rawlinson. 'I'm fortunate to have had a peaceful upbringing in rural Scotland, within a loving and supportive family,' she wrote in the essay. 'I'm also thankful to have a wonderful husband of five years.'
In 2020, she married Timothy Vesterberg in a private ceremony at the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace. A year later, they celebrated with a public event, and Flora wore the Ogilvy tiara for the occasion. She often attends events with the broader British royal family, including Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this past December.
'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 writes. Vesterberg isn't the only British royal woman to take to the pages of British Vogue recently. In March, Princess Beatrice wrote an essay about her daughter Athena's premature brith.
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