Prince and Princess of Wales thank NHS staff while highlighting impact of NHS charities across the UK

•

8 January 2026

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Charing Cross Hospital today in their role as Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together, thanking NHS staff and volunteers for their dedication and shining a spotlight on the vital part NHS charities play during one of the most challenging winter periods on record.

The visit included a surprise tea break for frontline teams, offering a welcome morale boost as staff and volunteers respond to increased demand on services during the winter months. The Prince and Princess of Wales spent time listening to teams about the pressures they are facing and hearing first-hand how NHS charities support staff, patients and communities across the UK.

“Today has been an absolutely incredible experience that I will never forget – The Prince and Princess were so interested in hearing about everything we do to support the staff and patients at the hospital, and I’m proud to have been able to represent all of the volunteers today.”
Gulsenem Vural, 21, mealtime volunteer for Imperial Health Charity

The Prince and Princess of Wales meet patients and volunteers during a charity-funded activity at Charing Cross Hospital.

During the visit, their Royal Highnesses met with staff, patients and Imperial Health Charity volunteers, learning more about how charity-funded support is improving both staff wellbeing and patient experience across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also visited patients and joined in charity-funded arts activities designed to support wellbeing and recovery, highlighting how NHS charities help create better healthcare for everyone.

Bringing leaders together to discuss future support

Following the hospital visit, The Prince and Princess of Wales joined a roundtable discussion hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together. The conversation brought together NHS charity CEOs and Trustees, clinicians, patients, senior policymakers and philanthropists to explore the vital role philanthropy plays in supporting the NHS.

Focused on philanthropy not only as a source of additional funding, but as a partner in driving long-term, whole-system change. Participants shared insights from lived experience, frontline care and strategic leadership, discussing how charitable support can be integrated into the healing journey for patients while also supporting meaningful change across healthcare.

“Proud to be Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together and how it makes a difference to staff and patients.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales with Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together

“It was wonderful to see the surprise on the faces of the healthcare staff and volunteers who were honoured to speak with The Prince and Princess of Wales – special moments like these give people a genuine boost at a very challenging time.

“We are so grateful to our Royal Patrons for highlighting the incredible work of the healthcare workforce, particularly over the busy winter period, and the role that NHS charities play in supporting NHS staff, patients and communities.

“The network of over 220 NHS charities already gives £1.5 million every day to the NHS and we know that by working together could achieve even more to transform care for everyone. With the scale of challenge facing healthcare our collective work has never been more important.”
Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together

Highlighting the impact of NHS charity support

Earlier in the day, The Prince and Princess of Wales toured clinical areas and charity-funded spaces within Charing Cross Hospital to see how work supported by Imperial Health Charity is helping to improve staff wellbeing and patient experience. This includes wellbeing hubs for staff, volunteer-led patient support services, and arts and activity programmes that contribute to improved recovery and mental health.

“We are delighted to have been able to thank our hard-working NHS staff and volunteers with this surprise event – made all the more special by the generous attendance of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales. Winter is a particularly challenging time for our hospital teams, so we’re proud to have been able to recognise their hard work and dedication today.

“We are also thrilled to have been able to show The Prince and Princess of Wales the difference our charity makes to staff and patients every day at our hospitals, through our arts, grants, fundraising and volunteering programmes.
Gail Scott-Spicer, Chief Executive of Imperial Health Charity

The Prince and Princess of Wales spend time with a patient during a charity-funded activity at Charing Cross Hospital.

Looking ahead

The visit and roundtable highlighted a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation and sustained support for healthcare teams and the communities they serve. As winter pressures continue, NHS Charities Together will work closely with partners across the NHS, philanthropy and civil society to ensure we maximise the role of NHS charities in driving change and creating the best healthcare for everyone.

Watch the full engagement from Charing Cross Hospital here