Princess Anne receives praise for meaningful task: ‘real honour'

Princess Anne made an appearance on behalf of the royals as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepared for Maundy Thursday.

The Princess Royal, who has vowed to serve the monarch and has proven to be one of the most dedicated members of the royal family, visited Newcastle on Wednesday.

King Charles’s sister, who is the patron of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), viewed the Royal Victoria Infirmary, which is one of the largest in the UK.

She also met with the youngest patients along with the families, midwives, maternity support workers, students, doctors and support and administration staff from across the services, spending time in Newcastle Birthing Centre, the neonatal intensive care unit, the foetal medicine service, and the Halcyon Suite.

“It was a real honour to join the Princess Royal on her visit to Newcastle Hospitals and to see first-hand the great care being provided to women, babies and families,” Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said.

She praised the “brilliant” example of commitment that the maternity the establishment has shown through its workers’ “skill and compassion” to support thousand of families each year.

“Our Patron has long been a passionate supporter of midwives and maternity services and it was wonderful that she was able to meet staff and hear directly about the vital role they play in delivering safe, personalised care,"

“At a time when maternity services are under significant pressure, visits like this are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication of staff.”