'Completely devastated': Camilla opens up about her mother's death with emotional confession

On Wednesday, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attended the official launch of the Royal Osteoporosis Society at the Science Museum in London.

The royal is patron of the charity, and so regularly puts in an appearance at their events.

And it's a cause close to her heart. During yesterday's launch, the Duchess of Cornwall reflected on how she wished her own mother could be around to see the medical advancements being made for people suffering with osteoporosis.

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Camilla's mum Rosalind Shand died in 1994, at the age of 71, as a result of osteoporosis - and Rosalind's own mother died from the same condition back in 1986, too.

The Duchess made reference to her mother's death, saying, "It was 25 years ago that my mother died as a result of osteoporosis. In fact, she was exactly the same age as I am now.

"Then, it was never discussed, rarely diagnosed, and always attributed to old people."

She continued, admitted that her mum's passing left her and her family 'devastated', but also confused as to how there was nothing they could do for her.

Camilla said, "My family and I were completely devastated, but also, we didn't understand how somebody could be in so much pain, and we were unable, and the doctors seemed unable, to do anything about it."

Revealing her wish that her mother could see improvements happening now, the Duchess confessed, "It's just incredible what's happening, and I just wish my mother was here today to see what could have been done."

The Duchess of Cornwall also spoke about how important it is to educate young people about the bone-weakening disease, and ways that they can help prevent it.

In a speech, she said, "I also think it's very important to tell my children and my grandchildren that this disease can be prevented," she said.

"I think if we can just tell them how important it is to eat the right things, to take exercise - these will go a long way to keeping their bones healthy."

In a following interview with the Daily Mail, Prince Charles' wife also hit out at social media, sharing her view that extreme, fad diets can prove extremely damaging to young people.

The royal admitted, "It is this ridiculous dieting, cutting out dairy and all the things that are good for your bones. These girls see 'Skinny Lizzies' in a magazine and they all want to be thin. It's about social media too."

"We need to find a way of educating children that they need to take care of their bodies now instead of aspiring to look like someone they see in a picture of they want to protect themselves from old age."

Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK - most of whom are older. It is a condition that weakens bones, but is often only diagnosed after a fracture is sustained.

The NHS advises, like Camilla, that maintaining a healthy diet, and a regular exercise routine, cutting out alcohol and smoking, as well as taking Vitamin D supplements, could help keep your bones healthy.