This afternoon, The Duchess of Cambridge is visiting patients and NHS emergency staff who assisted the injured following the London Bridge attack just over a week ago.
Catherine’s unannounced visit saw her spend time with doctors, nursing staff and other support workers at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, who dealt with the victims of the terrorist attack. In total 14 victims were taken to King’s, most being treated for stab wounds of varying severity.
Seven were in a critical condition upon arrival and are still receiving round-the-clock treatment at the hospital, but one was able to leave relatively quickly after being patched up.
A car driven by three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on on London Bridge, before heading towards Borough Market, where they randomly attacked innocent bystanders with knives; eight died. All three assailants were shot dead by police within eight minutes of the emergency call being made.
The Duchess also visited some of the patients, who are still hospitalised, privately. A hospital spokesman said that many are now well enough to speak and receive the royal guest.
Senior hospital officials spoke to Kate about the psychological support which has been made available to staff and patients following the attacks. This support for emergency and trauma staff is a key part of her – and William and Harry’s – work with mental health.
After meeting patients, HRH sits with Dr Tunnicliff who explains how important the psychological support offered to staff & patients is. pic.twitter.com/JZpvTenMIu
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 12, 2017
A spokesman said: “Although the story has moved on publicly this is a chance to thank the staff and reassure those still in hospital, many of whom have families with them, that people very much care.”
Last week, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited other victims of the attack plus the staff at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, after they visited Met Police headquarters.
TRH met medical staff and those injured in the London Bridge terrorist incident during a visit to the Royal London Hospital today. pic.twitter.com/vcYvrQWOnl
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) June 6, 2017