A world-renowned provider of osteopathic education has announced Princess Eugenie will become its royal patron.

Based in Boxley, near Maidstone, the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) provides education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

As well as its academic site at Boxley House, The Street, the school also has a clinic on Tonbridge Road, Maidstone.

Daughter of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Princess Eugenie has had an interest in musculoskeletal care since she had back surgery at age 12.

Now 27, she is keen to support charities that make a difference to the lives of people with similar issues, and is also a patron of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, based in Stanmore, Middlesex.

She is also patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, supporting young people battling cancer, and the Elephant Family, a charity which campaigns to protect Asian Elephants and their habitat.

Charles Bruford, principal at ESO, said: "This is a huge accolade for the school, and recognition of the work we undertake.

"One of our charitable aims is to ensure osteopathic care is available and affordable for the whole community, and each and every treatment provided at our clinic is subsidised by the ESO.

"Her Royal Highness' support will enable us to help even more members of the local community."