Queen Opens New Thames Hospice with Heartwarming Visit

In a touching event on Friday, Queen Elizabeth II made her way to Maidenhead to inaugurate the newly constructed Thames Hospice building.

Accompanied by her daughter, Princess Anne, this rare joint engagement took place just before noon, showcasing the bond between the two royals.

At 96 years old, the Queen took a brief 15-minute drive from her residence at Windsor Castle, appearing cheerful despite the sweltering heat.

Dressed in a lovely cream and blue floral ensemble, she radiated warmth, while Princess Anne complemented her in a stylish striped yellow dress.

Upon arrival, the royal duo was greeted with enthusiasm at the hospice, which has been a beacon of hope for individuals aged 16 and above in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for over three decades.

The facility specializes in palliative and end-of-life care, offering nursing, medical, and therapeutic support tailored to the physical, social, and emotional needs of both patients and their families.

Remarkably, all services at Thames Hospice are provided free of charge, primarily funded by generous donations and the invaluable contributions of around 700 dedicated volunteers.

During their tour of the hospice, the Queen and Princess Anne took time to engage with staff and volunteers.

One particularly memorable moment occurred when the monarch met Graham White and his wife Pat, who is currently receiving respite care due to stage 4 cancer.

Just as the Queen was introduced to the couple, Graham's phone rang, prompting Her Majesty to quip, “Typical, a phone goes off immediately.”

This light-hearted exchange showcased the Queen's sense of humor, contrasting the often-stoic image people have of her.

Pat, 63, expressed that meeting the Queen was an emotional experience she would cherish forever.

Reflecting on the unexpected phone interruption, she joked, “I could have killed him.”

Graham, whose son was on the line, added to the laughter, admitting, “I turned my wife's phone off, and I could have sworn mine was off; that was a bit embarrassing.”

Such moments highlighted the humanity shared between the royals and the hospice patients.

Before departing the hospice, the Queen officially unveiled a commemorative plaque alongside Princess Anne.

She also took a moment to sign the visitor's book, leaving her mark on this significant occasion.

Earlier in the week, the Queen had held a special audience at Windsor Castle with her eldest son, Prince Charles.

During this meeting, she presented representatives from the NHS with the prestigious George Cross, honoring exceptional service by civilians and military personnel.

In her heartfelt statement, the Queen expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.”

This award serves as a tribute to all NHS staff, past and present, across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Queen acknowledged their unwavering support during challenging times, emphasizing their courage, compassion, and dedication.

The Chief Executives of the NHS from all four nations were present, along with a frontline worker representing each region.