The Prince and Princess of Wales have marked their first official engagement of 2026 with a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London today.
The royal couple arrived at the west London facility 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.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have marked their first official engagement of 2026 with a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London today.
|PA
Their Royal Highnesses took on this patronage role during the coronavirus pandemic and have maintained close ties with the charity network ever since.
Upon their arrival at the hospital, the royal pair planned to catch healthcare workers off guard during their tea break, taking time to hear about the strain staff are experiencing amid the current winter virus season.
The visit also includes meetings with charity-managed volunteers whose efforts help enhance patient care whilst alleviating demands on the broader workforce.
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 royal couple arrived at the west London facility to express gratitude to NHS workers who have faced significant challenges throughout the winter months.
|PA
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, is hosting the session, which brings together charity leaders, trustees, policymakers and philanthropists.
Princess Kate made the decision to accompany Prince William on the visit, keen to demonstrate her personal appreciation for healthcare teams at the hospital.
|PA
Clinicians, patients and volunteers will also participate, 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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