The Duchess of Edinburgh returned on Wednesday to the headquarters of Thames Valley Air Ambulance in Stokenchurch, the very service that helped save her life nearly a quarter of a century ago.
Sophie, who celebrates her 61st birthday next week, has maintained a deep connection with the charity since becoming a patient in 2001 and was appointed its Royal Patron in 2019.
The visit was described as a "morale boost" by the lifesaving organisation, coming after what proved to be their most demanding year on record.
Sophie toured the expanded facilities during the engagement.
The Duchess of Edinburgh returned on Wednesday to the headquarters of Thames Valley Air Ambulance in Stokenchurch, the very service that helped save her life nearly a quarter of a century ago.
|GETTY
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In 2001, the then Countess of Wessex experienced a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy at her Bagshot Park residence, requiring an emergency airlift to King Edward VII hospital in London for urgent surgery.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, typically within a fallopian tube, and cannot be saved.
Despite this traumatic experience, Sophie went on to welcome two children: Lady Louise Windsor arrived in 2003, followed by James, Earl of Wessex, in 2007.
A year after her medical emergency, she personally expressed her gratitude to pilot Andy Busby and paramedic Tim Goddard at a charity fundraising dinner.
Sophie, who celebrates her 61st birthday next week, has maintained a deep connection with the charity since becoming a patient in 2001 and was appointed its Royal Patron in 2019.
|GETTY
At the Pre-hospital Education Centre, the Duchess observed critical care paramedics and doctors as they worked through a training scenario.
Sophie also had the opportunity to handle essential medical equipment herself, even practising a lifesaving intervention during her time at the facility.
The hands-on experience gave Her Royal Highness direct insight into the rigorous preparation that frontline crews undergo before responding to emergencies.
As both a former patient and the charity's patron, the Duchess has consistently championed the organisation's mission to provide the best possible chance of survival and recovery for patients across the Thames Valley region.
The charity's critical care teams responded to 3,302 emergencies throughout 2025, establishing a new record for the organisation.
Amanda McLean, Chief Executive of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: "It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness back to Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters."
She added: "It was fantastic to be able to show the Duchess our expanded facilities and give Her Royal Highness an insight into the training our crews undertake."
McLean emphasised that every mission is funded through public generosity, thanking supporters for "keeping us on the frontline of saving lives for another year" as the charity released its 2025 statistics.
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