Prince and Princess of Wales Visit Charing Cross Hospital
Royals meet NHS staff and volunteers on their tea break
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales meeting a patient at Charing Cross Hospital. Picture: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
January 12, 2026
The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Charing Cross Hospital to recognise the efforts of NHS staff and volunteers working under intense winter pressures. In their role as Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together, Their Royal Highnesses met teams across the hospital last Thursday (8 July) and saw how charitable support is helping to improve care and staff wellbeing.
The royal couple began their visit by surprising staff and volunteers with a tea break, taking time to speak with clinical teams about their experiences of managing increased demand during the winter months. They also met volunteers from Imperial Health Charity, whose work helps to ease pressure on frontline services and enhance the experience of patients and families.
Their Royal Highnesses then visited the hospital’s neurorehabilitation service, where they joined patients taking part in an arts activity funded by Imperial Health Charity. The service has received long-term support from the charity, which invests in programmes designed to aid recovery and support emotional wellbeing.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion bringing together NHS charity leaders, trustees, policymakers and philanthropists to explore the role of charitable funding in the health service. Chaired by Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, the session highlighted how philanthropy contributes to staff wellbeing, patient care and innovation across the NHS.
Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said the visit had been a welcome boost for staff and volunteers. “We were delighted to host Their Royal Highnesses at Charing Cross Hospital and show the impact our partnership with Imperial Health Charity delivers for patients, staff and our wider community,” he said. “It was also a lovely lift for our teams who work so hard, especially through the winter months when operational pressures are at their highest.”
Gail Scott-Spicer, chief executive of Imperial Health Charity, said the event had offered a valuable opportunity to recognise the dedication of hospital staff and volunteers. “Winter is a particularly challenging time for our hospital teams, so we’re proud to have been able to acknowledge their hard work and commitment – made all the more special by the generous attendance of Their Royal Highnesses,” she said.
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales meeting a patient. Picture: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Ellie Orton OBE added her thanks to the Royal Patrons for shining a light on the contribution of NHS charities. “We are so grateful to Their Royal Highnesses for highlighting the incredible work of the healthcare workforce, particularly over the busy winter period, and the role that NHS charities like Imperial Health Charity play in supporting them.”
NHS Charities Together represents more than 220 NHS charities across the UK, collectively providing £1.5 million a day to support innovation, staff wellbeing and improved patient care. Imperial Health Charity supports all five hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust through investment in staff, facilities, equipment, research, volunteering and patient experience.
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