To mark the NHS’s birthday, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales organised – as patrons of NHS Charities Together – a special NHS Big Tea party at St Thomas’ Hospital, London for NHS staff and volunteers. 

The Prince and Princess met with guests ranging from Aneira Thomas, the first baby born on the NHS, to pioneers in research and those on the frontline tackling Covid-19. The guest list honoured staff past and present, including three generations of NHS workers from one family – inspired by grandmother and former nurse of nearly 50 years, Blanche Hines, who was part of the Windrush generation. 

Eurovision and former Great-British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc was the host for the event on behalf of NHS Charities Together, and said: “The NHS is part of our DNA in this country so it was an utter privilege to be involved in this NHS Big Tea surprise to celebrate 75 years of the NHS and NHS charities. People were so delighted and it was just a quintessentially lovely, British day, celebrating our health service that we all love so much. I hope we will continue to love and take care of it for the next 750 years, because it’s something truly precious – and what would we do without it? I have it to thank for my hernia operations!” 

To find out more and to watch a special film of the event, visit the NHS Charities Together website. 

Photograph credit: NHS Charities Together