'The Queen Opened Our Wonderful Hospital in 1993'
Friends of Chelsea and Westminster remember an important royal event
The Queen meets a patient at the hospital during her visit
The Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital have shared memories of the day in May 1993 when the Queen officially opened the newly built hospital on Fulham Road.
Following the announcement of the Queen’s death, the Friends, volunteers who support the work of the hospital, said: “The Friends of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and on behalf of our Trustees, staff and volunteers we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
“ The Queen opened our wonderful hospital almost 30 years ago and was a great supporter of both the NHS and the charitable sector throughout her life. She will be very much missed, but her legacy of duty and public service will serve as an inspiration to all who work to help others.
“ We join our colleagues at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, as well as the wider local community, in mourning at this sad time.”
A nurse smiles as she meets the Queen
The hospital’s chief executive Lesley Watts echoed these words, saying: “ The death of our longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, marks the end of an extraordinary reign that spanned 70 years. Our Trust has received Royal support for over 300 years, dating back to 1721.
“In 1993, Queen Elizabeth officially opened the doors to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, marking an important moment in our history. For more than seven decades, Her Majesty has been a constant source of strength for the country with an unswerving commitment to public service and the NHS.
“Honouring her memory will continue to inspire us all, as we join colleagues, friends and family over the coming days to pay tribute to her immense contribution to our society and community.”
In memory of the Queen’s long connection to the hospital, the hospital has published these pictures of the day in 1993 when she toured the corridors of the new building and met staff and patients.
The Queen tours the hospital
The royal links to the hospital look set to continue in years ahead, as King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have also been strong supporters. In March 2014, the couple opened the Chelsea and Westminster Children’s Hospital and in June last year the then Prince of Wales returned to meet young apprentices who had been supported into work by the Prince’s Trust and to thank them and other staff for their service during the pandemic.
King Charles III visits the hospital before his accession
Meanwhile the Queen’s youngest great granddaughter, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi was born in Chelsea and Westminster on September 18, 2021.
The daughter of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, at the age of one is also now tenth in line to the Throne, following the Queen’s passing.
Princess Beatrice announced her birth on Twitter, expressing her delight and thanking the midwife team and everyone at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their “wonderful care”.
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September 16, 2022