27-05-2025
Royal reveals shock autism diagnosis at the age of 30
Flora Vesterberg, the granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II 's cousin, Princess Alexandra, has revealed she has been diagnosed with autism at the age of 30.
The royal, who is 62nd in line to the throne, opened up about the recent diagnosis in a deeply intimate essay published in British Vogue on Sunday, calling it 'unexpectedly empowering'.
She detailed her struggles battling 'the challenges of neurodiversity' during her formative years, and said the diagnosis has brought 'a sense of relief as well as validation'.
An art historian and broadcaster, the royal ancestor mostly steers clear of publicity, but is sometimes spotted joining for events in the society circle calendar, including the Chelsea Flower Show, where she was pictured this year with Lady Amelia Windsor.
Reflecting on her diagnosis during Autism Awareness Month, she hoped to 'contribute to a shift in statistics', referencing the figure stating that 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by the age of 18.
'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,' she wrote.
She told of having received her diagnosis from Dr Dimitrios Paschos, a consultant psychiatrist and Honorary Research Fellow at King's College London, ahead of beginning her PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art.
Undergoing multiple psychiatric evaluations over the course of a week earlier this year, Flora was left feeling both relieved and 'unsettled' by the final diagnosis.
The royal, who works closely with heritage brands like Tiffany & Co. and Piaget, said it had also impacted the way she approached her job.
She cited diagnostics for people with autism, notably women, who often 'camouflage' by mimicking 'social norms', habits she said she can relate to.
Nevertheless, her symptoms don't prevent her from carrying out her work, explaining that she is able to 'speak eloquently at engagements'.
Indeed, the diagnosis has helped her discover new ways to prepare to 'over-stimulating environments'.
She said she hoped her opening up about the diagnosis would help contribute to changing the statistic, and that fewer autistic women would be 'hiding in plain sight'.
Though not a senior royal, Flora is most definitely part of the elite family circle.
For Trooping the Colour 2023, King Charles invited six members of the extended Royal Family to enjoy the flypast from a second balcony situated in the inner quadrangle of Buckingham Palace.
One of these guests was Flora, who stood alongside her husband, Swedish financier Timothy Vesterberg, and Lady Gabriella Kingston.
The thrice great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, has an impressive set of academic accolades under her belt.
She holds a master's degree from The Courtauld Institute of Art, where she recently joined the Campaign Board, a circle of prominent philanthropists and advisors tasked with raising £50million for the transformation of the Somerset House campus.
Additionally, she co-chairs the Young Patrons' Circle of the Victoria and Albert Museum, demonstrating her commitment to education.
Specialising in modern and contemporary art, Flora lectures at esteemed institutions, including Sotheby's Institute of Art, and brings a distinctive sense of style to her public appearances.
Whether delivering a lecture or appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Flora proudly represents British designers, from Self-Portrait - a favourite of Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie - to The Deck.
In 2020, Flora's royal lineage was underscored by her marriage to Timothy Vesterberg at The Chapel Royal of St James's Palace, the very venue where Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840.
Exactly one year later, the couple staged a more public marriage blessing at the chapel, with a host of royals in attendance.
Flora's father, James, is the son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy.
Born in Edinburgh, she and her younger brother, Alexander, grew up in a 1780s country house on the east coast of Scotland.
Flora attended the co-educational Rugby School in Warwickshire, studying English, French and Fine Art at A-level, before graduating with a degree in Art History from the University of Bristol.
