One of the greatest tools at the monarchy’s disposal is their ability to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of others - and that is just what the Princess of Wales did after she met Maidenhead Rugby Club coach, Sarah Renton. During a royal engagement in 2023, the Princess spoke to Ms Renton and heard the heartbreaking story of how her daughter, Issy Phipps, took her own life at the age of 17.

As a special gift to remember Issy, Ms Renton gave the Princess a pair of earrings made by Issy's cousin, Sophie McGown. In the two years which have followed, Sophie has spoken about how her life has been changed in more ways than one thanks to the Princess of Wales.

In a heartfelt chat about her thriving business, Sophie reveals just how panic attacks and agoraphobia once left her terrified to step outside.

Speaking exclusively to the Express, Ms McGown, the designer behind EAR SASS, whose designs have raised nearly £20,000 for charity after the Princess wore her Issy Star earrings twice, says that years before her success, she battled crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome - and even spent months unable to leave the house.

She admits that she truly knows what it feels like to hit rock bottom. "I actually ended up with agoraphobia for about six months when I was studying fashion in 2001 when I was 18 – it definitely started then," she recalls.

"It started one day at fashion college, I had a panic attack and boom. I think it was massive pressure as I was studying fashion design and also millinery. At the same time I was flitting up and down between my hometown and Glasgow working at my parents' hotel. It was very, very stressful. We had a massive flood at the hotel and we were closed for 18 months to refurb. That was all going on at this time."

The stress eventually overwhelmed her. "It was pretty awful and that was where my anxiety started. I felt trapped - it was completely out of character as I'm so outgoing - so to feel this fear and horrendous anxiety was crippling. I also ended up with constant urine infections. A typical day was feeling fearful and not knowing why it was happening."

Desperate for a way out, Sophie turned to therapy. "I had to have a lot of hypnotherapy and learnt how to get outside again. It was really weird. I know I am such an outgoing and flamboyant person but I was suffering."

Thankfully though, Sophie found something to help after a friend introduced her to crystals. "One of my friends Rohese was really into crystals and she introduced me to them," Sophie tells us. "She is very spiritual and her dad was a famous yoga teacher who taught all the celebrities before it was fashionable."

Crystals have become a "lifeline" for Sophie as well as a key part of her collection. "I just want to open my heart - in this world it is nice to receive and share as much love as possible without having to compare yourself constantly”.

"I sleep with crystals under my pillow, wear them in my bra and now around my neck too - and see a crystal therapist. They ground me when I’m overwhelmed. They remind me I’m OK - that I’m doing better than I think."

Speaking about how she has dealt with anxiety since her teenage years, Sophie's long battle is still something she comes up against every now and then, but she has found what works for her. "People believe in all sorts of things to help them feel powerful and whole - and this is mine," she says with a warm smile.

And while Sophie admits to still battling imposter syndrome on a daily basis, it is clear that her success is down to her inner strength and her commitment to help others.

In memory of Issy Phipps, find Sophie's Issy Star Earrings, which were worn by the Princess of Wales, available to buy here.