His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge was granted another patronage earlier today. In an official announcement issued by the palace, the future monarch was named as the patron for the London Air Ambulance 30th anniversary campaign ahead of his visit to organisation’s base at the Royal London Hospital.
The appointment comes as no surprise due to High Royal Highnesses’ close links with the organisation as well as their sister organisations. Between March 2015 and July 2017, Prince William served as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). The Duke remarked:
It has been a huge privilege to fly with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Following on from my time in the military, I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that will add a valuable perspective to my Royal work for decades to come.
I would like to thank the people of East Anglia for being so supportive of my role and for letting me get on with the job when they have seen me in the community or at our region’s hospitals. I would especially like to thank all of my colleagues at EAAA, Babcock, and Cambridge Airport for their friendship and support. I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day. My admiration for our country’s medical and emergency services community could not be any stronger.
The London Air Ambulance 30th Anniversary Campaign is so much more than a mere anniversary celebration. This campaign aims to highlight the charity’s vital work in delivering life-saving treatment across London and raise support for the development of much needed new facilities. Through the Prince’s first-hand knowledge of the organisation, his voice and patronage will assist them to raise well-deserved awareness and support.
In an official statement Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, added: “We are delighted that The Duke of Cambridge has accepted the role of Patron of the London’s Air Ambulance 30th Anniversary Campaign. Through his support, we aim to raise awareness of the life-saving work carried out by us and by air ambulances across the UK. Our crew face significant challenges when delivering our rapid response and cutting-edge medical treatments in London. Through funds raised in our 30th year, we plan to improve our facilities to ensure we can respond even faster, enhance our training and ensure our crews have the facilities they need for their mental health and wellbeing.”
Following the official announcement, Prince William visited the London Air Ambulance at The Royal London Hospital. Here, His Royal Highness met with clinicians, paramedics, pilots and crew-members, to learn more about the challenges of working as a first responder in the capital.
Images courtesy of Kensington Palace
