The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS heroes as they arrived at a hospital during a staff tea break today to thank health staff for their hard work during winter.
Catherine bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients after she revealed how patients and visitors could find themselves waiting ‘for hours’.
Kate, whose cancer is in remission, said: ‘I know’.
She then touched William’s arm next her and said: ‘We know.’
Prince William was due to visit Charing Cross Hospital on his own for his first engagement since the Christmas break to show support for hospitals as they deal with an increased number of patients during winter.
But in a last minute change, he was joined by the Princess of Wales who celebrates her 44th birthday tomorrow, at the hospital in west London.
It is understood the joint visit was to acknowledge the incredible work of NHS staff over a difficult winter period.
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS heroes as they arrived during health staff’s tea break today to thank them for their hard work during winter
In the last minute change, Prince William was joined by the Princess of Wales who celebrates her 44th birthday tomorrow, at the hospital in west London
Kate and William are pictured arriving at the hospital in west London as they are greeted by the smiles of NHS staff
Catherine bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients who told them how patients and visitors are there ‘for hours’
The volunteers spoke about their working days and dealing with patients
The royal couple shocked hard working health staff after arriving in the canteen, before joining a surprise tea party for volunteers and staff to thank them for their hard work.
Volunteers said ‘wow’ as William and Kate – in a burgundy suit – arrived at the hospital.
William said ‘happy New Year’ and jokingly checked his watch saying, ‘Can we still say that?’
Maureen Gilmour, 86, who has been a volunteer for three years and works on chemotherapy said, ‘people sit there for hours’ to which Kate responded, ‘I know’.
She then touched William and said: ‘We know.’
Maureen added: ‘They are so sweet. Everyone is really positive and I have to say I love it.’
The volunteers spoke about their working days and dealing with patients.
Kate spoke of the experience as ‘quite daunting’.
William hailed the for being ‘diligent’ and Kate celebrated the ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers
The roundtable was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, with clinicians, patients and volunteers
She said: ‘So you’ve got have that support from you as a team.’
Kate added: ‘From a patients experience it’s important things not in job description such kindness and as compassion.’
William hailed the staff for being ‘diligent’ and Kate celebrated the ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers.
William said: ‘You should be very proud of giving your time and knowing what to say and not way to say is a skill.’
Kate spoke about ‘the difference it makes for 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 drop-in was also planned to highlight the vital work of NHS Charities Together, of which The Prince and Princess are Joint Patrons – a role the pair took on during the Covid pandemic.
Volunteers said ‘wow’ as she entered the hospital wearing a burgundy suit
A note to staff ahead of the royal visit had not mentioned to staff that Kate would also be attending
Kate and William also joined activities for patients in neuro-rehabilitation, including a therapy gym and arts room and serenaded by a harpist, funded by the charity
Kate, who 13 months ago revealed her cancer was in remission, and William gave the surprise helping hand at the London hospital amid warnings of NHS responding to increased demand over winter.
They also joined activities for patients in neuro-rehabilitation, including a therapy gym and arts room and were serenaded by a harpist, funded by the charity.
They later sat with NHS charity CEO’s, Trustees and health leaders to chat about philanthropy in the NHS.
NHS Charities Together represents over 220 NHS charities based in every NHS Trust and Health Board across the UK, giving £1.5 million every day to the NHS, for innovation, care and support staff wellbeing.
Money is invested in state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, green spaces and arts projects.
The roundtable was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, with clinicians, patients and volunteers.
