The Prince and Princess of Wales were the surprise guests of honour yesterday at a tea party marking the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
William and Kate, both 41, arrived early for the NHS Big Tea party to help lay the tables, put the finishing touches to a birthday cake and even try their hand at piping icing on cup cakes.
Asked to help decorate some of the cakes, William was decidedly more heavy-handed than his keen baker wife as he piped on a decidedly generous helping of icing.
‘Is that any good?’ he asked, as Kate burst out laughing, putting her hand over her mouth.
The event at St Thomas’ Hospital in London was hosted by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are Patrons – and television presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously presented the Great British Bake Off.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were the surprise guests of honour yesterday at a tea party marking the NHS’s 75th anniversary alongside Mel Giedroyc
William and Kate, both 41, arrived early for the NHS Big Tea party to help lay the tables, put the finishing touches to a birthday cake and even try their hand at piping icing on cup cakes. Pictured with baker Alice Fevronia
Asked to help decorate some of the cakes, William was decidedly more heavy-handed than his keen baker wife as he piped on a decidedly generous helping of icing
The cherry on top! Kate popped a topper on the cake before giving it out to guests
Alice Fevronia, a finalist of the show, also joined the couple and helped to make the cake.
Kate looked stunning as she opted for a £1,515 blue Alessandra Rich dress – which she has previously worn to Wimbledon – alongside a pair of drop earrings.
The party was attended by people representing the incredible achievements of the NHS over the past 75 years.
After the guests arrived in the wellbeing garden of the hospital, the royal couple emerged with a huge birthday cake to gasps of surprise.
They then sat down to chat to some of those who were invited, which included Aneira Thomas, the first baby born on the NHS, as well as medical research pioneers and those who had been on the frontline tackling Covid-19.
Kate looked stunning as she opted for a £1,515 blue Alessandra Rich dress – which she has previously worn to Wimbledon – alongside a pair of drop earrings
The party was attended by people representing the incredible achievements of the NHS over the past 75 years
They also spent time with Blanche Hines, who worked as a nurse for nearly 50 years after arriving in the UK as part of the Windrush generation.
Mrs Hines inspired two more generations of her family to work for the NHS. ‘The things some of them have done is incredible,’ the Prince marvelled.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to say thank you all the way down,’ the Princess said.
‘That’s why William and I wanted to come here and say thank you and congratulations and happy birthday.’
The Prince and Princess concluded their visit with a video message for the entire NHS, holding up signs and saying: ‘Wishing everyone a very happy 75th birthday for the NHS. Thank you so much for all you do.’
The event at St Thomas’ Hospital in London was hosted by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are Patrons – and television presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously presented the Great British Bake Off
Prince and Princess of Wales and Alice Fevronia, as they attend a NHS Big Tea party in the wellbeing garden of St Thomas’ Hospital
The Prince and Princess concluded their visit with a video message for the entire NHS, holding up signs and saying: ‘Wishing everyone a very happy 75th birthday for the NHS. Thank you so much for all you do.’
William chatted to NHS workers during the tea party
The beautiful cake had messages and facts about the NHS
There were also cupcakes for the guests of the tea party
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: ‘As the national charity caring for the NHS, NHS Charities Together is here for anyone who wants to give something back to its people, who all give so much to us, and that extra support has never been so important.
‘It includes providing staff psychologists, counselling, peer support training and so much more.’
The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons for NHS Charities Together in December 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
The charity’s 2020 Covid-19 Urgent Appeal raised over £160million.
It has since distributed almost £100million to reach every NHS Trust around the UK.
Donations have funded thousands of projects including mental health support for staff and training and equipment for community first responder volunteers.
Mel Giedroyc said it was an ‘utter privilege’ to be involved, adding that people were ‘so delighted’ by the ‘quintessentially lovely, British day’.
The Princess of Wales chatted to guests at the party
They also spent time with Blanche Hines, who worked as a nurse for nearly 50 years after arriving in the UK as part of the Windrush generation
Mrs Hines inspired two more generations of her family to work for the NHS. ‘The things some of them have done is incredible,’ the Prince marvelled
William, Kate and Mel joined various NHS workers for the event
Kate looked delighted as she chatted to guests
William also spoke to Aneira Thomas, the first baby born in the NHS
Bake off star Alice Fevronia helped to make the cake
Dr Neil Rees, a consultant clinical psychologist leading the staff wellbeing programme at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – which benefited from NHS charity funding, said: ‘The Prince of Wales was very mindful of the support that’s been given by NHS charities and how essential that is, and really understood the issues and complexities – particularly with the current challenges we’re facing.
‘The pandemic shone a light on the needs of staff, but he was keen to talk about how we maintain the care roles like mine provide, and how charities play a major role in that. It was incredibly special to be recognised in that way.’
William and Kate visited St Thomas’ in May ahead of the NHS anniversary on Wednesday.
Now entering its sixth year, the NHS Big Tea raises funds to provide support for staff, patients, and volunteers.
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