The Prince and Princess of Wales make surprise visit to thank NHS heroes for hard work during winter
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS heroes today during a healthcare staff tea break to thank them for their hard work over the winter months.
Catherine bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients and explained to them that patients and visitors were there ‘for hours’.
‘I know,’ said Kate, who is in remission from cancer.
Then he touched William’s arm next to him and said: ‘We know.’
Prince William was due to visit Charing Cross Hospital alone for the first time since the Christmas holidays to show his support as hospitals deal with large numbers of patients over the winter months.
But in a last-minute change, he was joined by the Princess of Wales, who will celebrate her 44th birthday at the hospital in west London tomorrow.
It is understood the joint visit was to recognize the incredible work of NHS staff during a difficult winter.
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS heroes today as they turned up during healthcare staff’s tea break to thank them for their hard work over the winter months
In a last-minute change, Prince William was accompanied by the Princess of Wales, who will celebrate her 44th birthday at the hospital in West London tomorrow.
Kate and William are greeted with smiles from NHS staff when they arrive at the hospital in West London.
Catherine bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients and told them patients and visitors were there ‘for hours’
Volunteers described their working days and caring for patients
They arrived at the canteen to shock hard-working medical staff and thank them for their hard work, before attending a surprise tea party for volunteers and staff until sunrise.
Volunteers said “wow” when William and Kate arrived at the hospital in burgundy suits.
William said ‘Happy New Year’ and jokingly looked at his watch saying ‘Can we still say that?’ he said.
Maureen Gilmour, 86, who has been volunteering for three years and working on chemotherapy, said: ‘People sit there for hours’, while Kate replied: ‘I know.’
Then he touched William and said: ‘We know.’
Maureen added: ‘They are so sweet and everyone is really positive, I have to say I love it.’
Volunteers described their working days and caring for patients.
Kate mentioned that it was “quite a daunting experience.”
William praised them for being ‘hard-working’ and Kate celebrated ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers
The roundtable was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, and was attended by clinicians, patients and volunteers.
He said: ‘Then we need to get this support from you as a team.’
Kate added: ‘From one patient’s experience, things that aren’t in the job description, such as kindness and compassion, seem to be important.’
William praised her for being ‘diligent’ and Kate celebrated the ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers.
William said: ‘You should be proud that you took the time and knowing what to say, not just the way to say it, is a skill.’
Kate spoke of ‘the difference it makes to patients’.
The tea party room was paid for by Imperial Health Charity, which is a member of NHS Charities Together, of which Kate and William are patrons.
Their morale-boosting visit was also planned to highlight the vital work of NHS Charities Together, of which the Prince and Princess are Joint Patrons.
They took on this role during the COVID pandemic.
Volunteers said ‘wow’ when he entered the hospital in a burgundy suit
A memo sent to staff ahead of the royal visit did not mention Kate would attend
Kate and William also attended charity-funded events for neuro-rehabilitation patients, including a therapy gym and art room where they were serenaded by a harpist.
Kate and Wills, who announced her cancer was in remission 13 months ago, lent a surprise helping hand to a hospital in London amid warnings that the NHS would respond to increased demand during the winter months.
They also attended charity-funded events for neuro-rehabilitation patients, including a therapy gym and art room, serenaded by a harpist.
They then met with NHS charity CEOs, Trustees and healthcare leaders to chat about philanthropy in the NHS.
NHS Charities Together represents over 220 NHS charities on every NHS Trust and Health Board in the UK, donating £1.5 million to the NHS every day for innovation, care and support staff wellbeing.
The money is invested in state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, green spaces and art projects.
The roundtable was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, and was attended by clinicians, patients and volunteers.
