Princess Kate and Prince William have issued a joint statement following their first royal engagement of 2026.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Charing Cross Hospital in London today to express gratitude to NHS workers who have faced significant challenges throughout the winter months.
Princess Kate made the decision to accompany Prince William on the visit, keen to demonstrate her personal appreciation for healthcare teams at the hospital.
The engagement serves to spotlight NHS Charities Together, an organisation for which the couple serve as Joint Patrons.
Princess Kate and Prince William have issued a joint statement following their first royal engagement of 2026.
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Following the engagement, the couple wrote on social media: “A huge thank you to NHS staff and volunteers at Charing Cross Hospital, and across the UK, whose tireless efforts continue to change lives, every single day.
“Proud to be Joint Patrons of @nhscharitiestogether and seeing how it makes a difference to the workforce and patients.”
Their Royal Highnesses took on this patronage role during the coronavirus pandemic and have maintained close ties with the charity network ever since.
Throughout the engagement, Prince William and Princess Kate witnessed firsthand the impact of Imperial Health Charity's funding initiatives, which benefit all five hospitals within the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Charing Cross Hospital in London today to express gratitude to NHS workers who have faced significant challenges throughout the winter months.
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The charity's work supports both patients and staff across these facilities, demonstrating how philanthropic contributions translate into tangible improvements within the healthcare system.
The royal visit concluded with a roundtable discussion examining how philanthropic giving can strengthen the National Health Service.
Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, hosted the session, which brings together charity leaders, trustees, policymakers and philanthropists.
Their Royal Highnesses took on this patronage role during the coronavirus pandemic and have maintained close ties with the charity network ever since.
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Clinicians, patients and volunteers also participated, exploring how donations contribute to the healing process and drive meaningful change within healthcare settings.
NHS Charities Together encompasses more than 220 member charities operating across every NHS Trust and Health Board nationwide, collectively contributing £1.5 million daily to health services.
These organisations fund cutting-edge equipment, new buildings, outdoor spaces and arts programmes to improve patient experiences.
They also deliver community-based prevention initiatives designed to help people maintain their health before requiring hospital treatment.
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