The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have made their grand entrance at a special ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the NHS. Prince Edward and Sophie will be joined by 1,500 healthcare personnel, politicians, and NHS supporters at Westminster Abbey in London to honor the dedication of staff and patients.
During the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the NHS’s George Cross, which was awarded by the late Queen for the outstanding work performed by NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic and throughout its history. In one of her final public engagements before her passing, the Queen presented the medal to the NHS at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle.
Prominent figures from the healthcare sector across the four nations will be in attendance, including May Parsons, the nurse who administered the first Covid-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial. Parsons will carry the medal into the Abbey in a procession alongside other notable individuals, such as Kyle Dean-Curtis, a 17-year-old St John Ambulance cadet of the year who aspires to work in the NHS, and Enid Richmond, a 91-year-old who was among the first people to work in the NHS as a junior clerical staff member.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, graced the occasion in an elegant pale pink floral dress and nude heels, while Prince Edward led the way as they arrived for the service on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and BBC sport presenter Adele Roberts were also present, with Roberts expressing her gratitude to the NHS for saving her life following cancer surgery.
The ceremony, attended by over 1500 individuals, featured speeches and testimonies from esteemed health leaders, including Health Secretary Steve Barclay, NHS England’s chief nurse Dame Ruth May, NHS England’s national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, and Ellie Orton, the CEO of NHS Charities Together. The brave individuals who demonstrated exceptional courage on the frontlines were also invited, such as Richard Webb-Stevens, the paramedic who was first on the scene during the Westminster Bridge terror attack, and Dr. Martin English and Dr. Michael Griksaitis, NHS consultants who led the team responsible for bringing 21 Ukrainian children with cancer from Poland to the UK following the Russian invasion in March 2022.
In a tribute to the NHS, Mr. Barclay expressed his pride in the NHS’s accomplishments over the past 75 years. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all NHS staff, from doctors and nurses to cleaners and porters, as well as social care workers, paramedics, physiotherapists, and many others who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were joined by a multitude of healthcare professionals, politicians, and NHS supporters at the ceremony taking place at Westminster Abbey. Notably, high-ranking government officials and political representatives were also in attendance. The celebration of the NHS’s incredible work was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from all those present.
The day of the ceremony also marked the beginning of numerous events and special moments for everyone to participate in. Dame Ruth May commended the hardworking NHS staff and volunteers who have been the backbone of the organization for the past 75 years. She expressed her excitement and honor in celebrating the NHS’s 75th birthday alongside the incredible staff and volunteers at Westminster Abbey. She highlighted the plethora of opportunities for individuals to engage and reflect on the NHS’s achievements and anticipate future innovations and advancements over the next 75 years.
To further commemorate the occasion, various buildings across the country, including landmarks like Nottingham Castle, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Liverpool’s Liver Building, were lit up in the NHS’s distinctive blue color. Celebrated actor Tom Hardy participated in the festivities by reading ‘Zog And The Flying Doctors’ on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.
Additional notable guests and speakers, such as British artist Charlie Mackesy, former NHS England chief executive Lord Simon Stevens, and Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, added to the significance of the ceremony. The Royal Mint even released a collectible 50p coin, and British hospitals, like Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, celebrated by acquiring a new surgical robot after a successful fundraising campaign.
The King and Queen visited the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, with Camilla humorously remarking that she is the same age as the NHS. In Wales, health minister Eluned Morgan participated in the naming of a Great Western Railway train in honor of Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the NHS. The Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care also organized an event at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings.
Furthermore, Park Run and Junior Park Run events across the UK were dedicated to the NHS, allowing people from all walks of life to express their appreciation and support.
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