Princess Eugenie says ‘I’m going to cry’ in emotional tribute to her mother

‘Mum, everyone on this call has been inspired today by your boundless energy’

Princess Eugenie was visibly emotional after paying tribute to her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, in a group video call to mark the 30th anniversary of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Eugenie, who is pregnant with her first child, was joined by her sister Princess Beatrice in honouring the work of the duchess, speaking of how she inspired them to become involved with the charity.

The trio, who are all honorary patrons of the organisation, held the virtual chat with representatives from the Trust and Jane Sutton, the mother of the late fundraising hero Stephen Sutton.

Eugenie was close to tears as she told her mother: “We're very honoured to be here, but we wouldn't be here unless you had educated us in how we give back to people.”

As she became emotional, she waved her hand in front of the camera and laughed, telling an emotional-looking Sarah: “I'm going to cry. Stop it.”

The duchess spoke about the invaluable work of the charity (PA)

The princess continued to speak of how the duchess had taken both her and Beatrice to Teenage Cancer Trust units on their 18th birthday to show them the work they were doing.

The duchess has been involved with the charity for three decades, opening its first special hospital unit for young people in 1990.

Beatrice added: “Mum, everyone on this call has been inspired today by your boundless energy.

“I think you've touched each and every single one of us with the mission that you have embraced through Teenage Cancer Trust.”

The duchess spoke about the impact of the trust, which offers teenagers with cancer with specialist nursing care and support.

“It's so shocking to think now that back in 1990 there was no specialist care for teenagers and young adults with cancer,” she said.

"Imagine being diagnosed with cancer at 17 and being treated on a ward with much older people, talked to as an adult by doctors when you are still a child, your loved ones not being able to stay with you overnight. 

“How lonely and frightening that experience would be,” she said.