The Prince and Princess of Wales were surprise guests of honor at a tea party to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS yesterday.
William and Kate, both 41, arrived at the NHS Big Tea party early to help set the tables, put the finishing touches on a birthday cake and even try their hand at piping icing on cupcakes.
When asked to help decorate some of the cakes, William was noticeably clumsier than his enthusiastic baker’s wife as he applied a decidedly generous helping of frosting.
“Is that good?” he asked while Kate burst out laughing and put her hand over her mouth.
The event was hosted at St Thomas’ Hospital in London by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are patrons – and TV presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously hosted the Great British Bake Off.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Mel Giedroyc, were the surprise guests of honor at a tea party to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS yesterday
William and Kate, both 41, arrived at the NHS Big Tea party early to help set the tables, put the finishing touches on a birthday cake and even try their hand at piping icing on cupcakes. Pictured with baker Alice Fevronia
When asked to help decorate some of the cakes, William was noticeably clumsier than his enthusiastic baker’s wife as he applied a decidedly generous helping of frosting
The icing! Kate put a topper on the cake before handing it out to guests
Alice Fevronia, a finalist on the show, also joined the couple and helped bake the cake.
Kate looked stunning as she opted for a £1,515 blue Alessandra Rich dress – which she had previously worn to Wimbledon – and a pair of dangling earrings.
The party was attended by people representing the incredible achievements of the NHS over the past 75 years.
After guests arrived at the hospital’s feel-good garden, the royal couple came out surprised with a giant birthday cake.
They then sat down to chat with some of those invited, including Aneira Thomas, the first baby born in the NHS, as well as pioneers in medical research and those on the front lines of the fight against Covid-19.
Kate looked stunning as she opted for a £1,515 blue Alessandra Rich dress – which she had previously worn to Wimbledon – and a pair of dangling 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.
Ms Hines inspired two more generations of her family to work for the NHS. “The things that some of them have done are incredible,” marveled the prince.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to say thank you until the end,” said the princess.
“So William and I wanted to come here and say thank you and congratulations and happy birthday.”
The Prince and Princess ended their visit with a video message to the whole of the NHS, holding up signs and saying: ‘Happy 75th birthday to the NHS everyone.’ Thank you for all you are doing.’
The event was hosted at St Thomas’ Hospital in London by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are patrons – and TV presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously hosted the Great British Bake Off
Prince and Princess of Wales and Alice Fevronia as they attend an NHS Big Tea Party in the Wellbeing Garden at St Thomas’ Hospital
The Prince and Princess ended their visit with a video message to the whole of the NHS, holding up signs and saying: ‘Happy 75th birthday to the NHS everyone.’ Thank you for all you are doing.’
During the tea party, William chatted to NHS staff
The beautiful cake contained messages and facts about the NHS
There were also cupcakes for the tea party guests
Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “As the national charity that cares about the NHS, NHS Charities Together is here for anyone who wants to give back to their staff, who give us all so much, and then more. “ Support has never been more important.
“This includes providing staff psychologists, counseling, peer support training and much more.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales became joint royal patrons for NHS charities in December 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
The charity’s urgent 2020 Covid-19 appeal raised over £160million.
Since then almost £100m has been distributed to every NHS trust in the UK.
Donations have funded thousands of projects, including support for mental health workers and training and equipment for volunteer first responders in the community.
Mel Giedroyc said it was a “complete privilege” to be a part of it, adding that people were “so delighted” with what was “a thoroughly beautiful British day”.
The Princess of Wales chatted to the 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
Ms Hines inspired two more generations of her family to work for the NHS. “The things that some of them have done are incredible,” marveled the prince
William, Kate and Mel attended the event along with various NHS staff
Kate looked delighted as she chatted to the guests
William also spoke to Aneira Thomas, the first baby to be born in the NHS
Bake-off star Alice Fevronia helped make the cake
dr Neil Rees, a consulting clinical psychologist who runs the staff health program at Guy’s and St Thomas, which benefited from NHS charities, said: “The Prince of Wales was very aware of the support from NHS charities and the importance of it is.” and we really understood the issues and complexities – especially given the current challenges we are facing.
“The pandemic has shed some light on staff needs, but he was keen to talk about how we are maintaining the caregiver roles I offer and how charities play an important role in that.” It was incredibly special to look forward to this one way to be recognized.”
William and Kate visited St Thomas in May ahead of the NHS anniversary on Wednesday.
The NHS Big Tea is now in its sixth year raising funds to support staff, patients and volunteers.