Princes Beatrice is dyslexic, says mother

LONDON, March 23 (UPI) -- Britain's Princess Beatrice, the older daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, revealed she is dyslexic and getting help with reading and writing.

The 16-year-old, who is fifth in line to the British throne, was diagnosed at the age of seven. She now wants details of her literacy problem made public to highlight the difficulties faced by dyslexics, the Daily Telegraph said, quoting her mother, Sarah Ferguson.

The Duchess of York made the announcement during a visit to a London school assisted by a specialist charity of which she is a patron.

She said her daughter, who must take junior high examinations this summer, has extra classes to help her with reading and writing.

"Imagine if I didn't realize that my daughter was dyslexic -- she would be having such a problem. She now goes out in public and speaks because she has been listened to. Doesn't every child have the right to be listened to?" Ferguson said.