On March 5, 2023, Prince William marked the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic with a visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England—a place with both personal and historical significance.
The Prince of Wales returned to the hospital where his wife, Kate Middleton, was born in 1982, and where the UK’s first COVID-19 victim passed away in 2020.
During his visit, Prince William paid tribute to NHS Charities Together, the health charity of which he is a patron. The organization launched an urgent appeal at the onset of the pandemic to support frontline healthcare workers and volunteers.
The charity raised over $200 million (£160 million), providing much-needed resources and support to staff, patients, and communities during the crisis.
NHS Charities Together’s Impact
In the early days of the pandemic, NHS Charities Together raised an impressive $19 million (£15 million) in just five days. The funds were used to support healthcare workers with counseling services, rest areas, and various community projects.
According to William's office at Kensington Palace, the funds helped nearly two-thirds of NHS staff. The Prince took time to tour the Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre, established with these funds, which continues to provide crucial mental health support for staff.
Prince William’s poignant visit to Royal Berkshire Hospital to witness the lasting impact of NHS Charities' support over the past five years, since the start of the COVID pandemic. (@KensingtonRoyal )
Remembering the Fallen
During his visit, Prince William also honored the hospital staff who made the ultimate sacrifice. Two members of the health trust, Dr. Peter Tun and nurse Julie Edward, died during the pandemic. In their memory, trees have been planted in the hospital's garden, providing a poignant reminder of the lives lost to the pandemic.
Sustained Impact and Support
The wellbeing center, which was part of NHS Charities Together’s ongoing efforts, continues to serve staff even after the height of the crisis. Ninety percent of the projects funded by the charity remain operational in hospitals like Royal Berkshire, offering support for mental health, well-being, and long-term recovery.
Royal Involvement and Public Engagement
This visit was particularly significant as it also marked the Prince’s return to the hospital since the royal couple’s trip in December 2020. During that visit, they toured different areas of the UK to check in on communities struggling with the pandemic’s impact.
This latest visit once again underscores William and Kate’s dedication to mental health, frontline support, and ongoing relief efforts.
NHS Charities Together is a collective of NHS charities that support the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). They work to raise funds and provide resources that assist hospitals, medical staff, and patients across the country.
NHS Charities Together supports health organizations in addressing both immediate and long-term needs of patients and NHS workers. Since its inception, it has provided millions of pounds to fund essential projects, including mental health support for NHS staff, medical equipment, and initiatives that improve the healthcare experience.
The charity played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to alleviate pressure on NHS services by raising funds for urgent relief. Through fundraising campaigns and partnerships, NHS Charities Together aims to strengthen the NHS and ensure that healthcare professionals, patients, and the community continue to receive vital support.
