Prince William attended his first royal event since Kate Middleton announced her “remission” from cancer. On January 15, the 42-year-old Prince of Wales became the new patron of the College of Paramedics and participated in its inaugural Emergency and Critical Care Conference in Birmingham, England. The summit focuses on helping emergency responders make effective decisions under pressure, a topic close to William’s heart due to his past service as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot and with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Mental health support for first responders is a cause he deeply cares about.
During the event, Prince William met with leaders of the College of Paramedics, conference speakers, and paramedics from various specialties. The College, established in 2001, serves as a membership organization for paramedics registered with the Health and Care Professions Council of the U.K., student paramedics, and those interested in the paramedic profession, boasting over 20,000 members today.
In 2024, the College received a Royal Charter of Incorporation from King Charles, Prince William’s father. William also attended sessions on trauma critical care and techniques used in search and rescue helicopter missions. He delivered a brief speech expressing his pride in being the College’s new patron and highlighting a previous engagement with Princess Kate.
Prince William shared his excitement for being back in Birmingham, mentioning his favorite soccer team, Aston Villa. He emphasized the adaptability and crucial skills of paramedics, drawing from his own experiences in high-pressure roles. He recounted a visit to Southport with Princess Kate in 2024, where they met with first responders following a tragic event, underscoring the importance of their work.
“The Prince of Wales expressed his gratitude for the paramedics and frontline care providers, acknowledging the challenges they face and the importance of their work. He encouraged paramedics to prioritize self-care, support each other, and mentor the next generation in the profession to ensure a strong workforce for the future. Prince William, now the patron of an organization dedicated to supporting paramedics’ mental health and well-being, thanked them for their exceptional efforts.
At the Emergency and Critical Care Conference in Birmingham on Jan. 15, 2025, Prince William, as patron of the College of Paramedics, delivered these remarks. The event followed his wife Kate’s announcement of being in remission from cancer after receiving treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Kate, who had stepped back from public life during her treatment, expressed her gratitude to the hospital staff and her husband for their unwavering support.
As a patron of The Royal Marsden, Kate aims to promote research, clinical excellence, and advocate for patient and family well-being. She shared her relief at being in remission and her optimism for the future, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to a new normal after a cancer diagnosis. Kate looks forward to the year ahead with gratitude for the support she has received.
This unexpected visit to The Royal Marsden highlighted the couple’s dedication to supporting healthcare initiatives and their appreciation for the care they have received. Both Prince William and Kate expressed their gratitude and commitment to continue contributing to the well-being of others.”
In Duchess Kate’s most recent development in her gradual return to royal duties, no specific timeline has been established. In November of 2024, Prince William expressed his anticipation for his wife’s presence by his side during upcoming travels in the following year. “Hopefully Catherine will be taking on a more active role next year, allowing for some exciting travel plans to potentially materialize,” remarked William. These comments were made following the conclusion of a hectic week in Cape Town, South Africa, where he presided over the fourth installment of his environmental Earthshot Prize initiative. For more details, visit the original source on People.
