Bone disease fears as Camilla breaks leg after slipping during holiday in Scotland

Camilla suffered a twisted fracture of her left fibula when she slipped while outdoors on Wednesday but the break was only confirmed by an X-ray yesterday.

It immediately raised speculation that Camilla may have inherited the disease osteoporosis which causes bones to become thin and fragile.

Her mother and grandmother both died of the disease which can run in families, and Camilla is president of the National Osteoporosis Society.

A Clarence House spokeswoman said that, although doctors have advised her not to put any weight on her leg, she intends to carry out all her official engagements scheduled until the end of the month.

Camilla has been staying at Birkhall, the Prince of Wales's private home on the Queen's Balmoral estate for an Easter holiday.

Clarence House said in a statement: "Yesterday while hill walking in slippery conditions in Scotland, the Duchess of Cornwall took a tumble and hurt her leg. Today, following doctor's advice, her royal highness had an X-ray which showed a twisted fracture of the fibula.

"Consequently her royal highness is wearing a plaster cast and will be for six weeks.

"She has been advised not to put weight on her leg. Her royal highness has every intention of carrying out all planned engagements."

A Clarence House spokeswoman added: "The duchess is cheerful and it's a case of 'life goes on – it could be worse'."

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Barry Ferris said it was a "relatively minor injury" which should heal in six weeks and was unlikely to be related to osteoporosis.

About one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will fracture a bone as a result of the disease.

"We do not know if Camilla has osteoporosis but I think it is highly unlikely it would cause this kind of break," Mr Ferris said. "A fibula fracture is usually related to a direct blow – she may have fallen over on something like a rock."

Before the injury Camilla, 62, had been suffering from a trapped nerve in her back which had been causing some pain..