The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, made their first joint engagement of the year 2023 and visited Liverpool in the North West of England. This was The royal couple’s first official appearance of the year too. We last saw them at the Christmas church service in December 2022.
Catherine celebrated her 41st birthday privately this Monday. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis went back to school yesterday and Catherine was seen doing the school run.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at the new Royal Liverpool Hospital for its official opening today 👑🏥 @LivHospitals pic.twitter.com/vzfakpfGpo
— North West News (@HeartNWNews) January 12, 2023
The Prince and Princess of Wales were visiting the North of England to highlight the work being done by those working in healthcare and mental health support services. The couple wanted to thank the healthcare staff for their ongoing contribution through the harsh winter months.
In the North of England, Prince Williama and the Princess of Wales officially opened the state-of-the-art Royal Liverpool University Hospital. At the hospital, William and Catherine met the staff at the hospital, which has become the biggest British hospital to provide all in-patients with ensuite rooms. Among the staff members were a few with whom the Royal couple had a zoom call in 2020.
Sarah Lawson was one of those critical care nurses who met with The Prince of Wales. She said: “Today has been so special. I met The Prince of Wales over a video call nearly three years ago, so to get the chance to meet him in person has been amazing. Their Royal Highnesses were so genuinely interested in talking to us about staff well-being and mental health. Everyone was over the moon to meet them.”
Sue Musson, Chair of Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “To introduce The Prince and Princess of Wales to some of our hardworking staff was such a privilege. It was a great boost for colleagues at the Trust to meet Their Royal Highnesses and to share their experiences, especially at a time when staff continue to work under significant pressure. I hope that The Prince and Princess enjoyed their time in our wonderful city. We are so grateful for their interest and their visit.”
The 640-bed venue became operational in the autumn of last year after taking over from the old Liverpool Royal Hospital. The hospital opening was delayed by five years – partly due to the collapse of construction firm Carillion – with costs spiralling from £335m to an estimated £1bn-plus.
When The Princess of Wales gets told she looks beautiful and that she and Prince William are matching 😍
Just look at William’s face as he adores his wife 🥺 pic.twitter.com/Of5409f9Cp
— Kayla Adams (@KaylaAdams___) January 12, 2023
From The Liverpool Echo’s report, “A woman who was at Liverpool’s Royal Hospital for an appointment on Thursday was thrilled when she managed to speak to Prince William. Sylvia, 81, said to William: “Keep going Will, Scousers love you.” To which he replied: “I will do.” She said she couldn’t believe she managed to speak to him.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were cheered as they entered new Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Live Updates ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6ABZfHE4Zh
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) January 12, 2023
It comes after a number of people managed to speak to the Royals, with some even getting selfies with them… After being taken on a tour of the hospital’s critical care unit, the Royals were introduced to volunteer Jim Moubray and therapy dog Rosie. The heartwarming moment was captured on camera as staff gathered around to meet the Prince and Princess. Prince William was seen giving the golden retriever a treat before Kate crouched down to stroke her.”
Healthcare assistant Anna O’Hara asked the Princes and Princess of Wales for selfies on the critical care ward at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital – and what a couple of fabulous ones she got. Kate never takes a bad picture, does she?! #royal pic.twitter.com/dM0WpT1CrE
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) January 12, 2023
Prince William asked staff: “Are you looking after yourself?” To which they replied yes they were. Prince William said: “The hospital can’t function without all the care you provide.”
Sylvia, 81, who had an appointment at the hospital managed to speak to Will. She said to him: “Keep going Will, scousers love you.” To which he replied: “I will do.” She said she couldn’t believe she managed to speak to him pic.twitter.com/J8J5yqyQgj
— Olivia Williams (@livs_wills) January 12, 2023
A floral farewell for the Princess.
The next stop of the day was Birkenhead.
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A lovely video of The Royal’s arrival in Birkenhead by Lauren on Instagram. In Birkenhead, The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Open Door Charity to learn how the mental health charity is supporting young people across Merseyside. For more than 9 years, the Charity has been delivering a holistic range of services on a membership format within empowerment, culture and opportunity, creating a place and space which is completely unique. All opportunities are free of charge with no waiting lists.
William and Kate are meeting some of @theODCharity young people in care currently supported by the charity who are using its Oomoo programme of arts, including music and dance, to help support their mental health pic.twitter.com/LmuM7NiAzW
— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) January 12, 2023
At the charity headquarters, Prince William and Princess Catherine met with the staff, volunteers and young people in care currently supported by the charity who are using its Oomoo programme of arts, including music and dance, to help support their mental health. The Charity has various programmes run by young people for young people that include Bazaar and Oomoo. The Bazaar program focuses on people between the age of 17 to 35 and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with mindfulness to provide tools, techniques and skills to improve mental well-being. While Oomoo helps 11-18 years old youngsters in navigating life’s ups and downs through various activities like dance and film nights.
Catherine was wearing her Holland Cooper Double Breaster BlackWatch Coat that she first wore in November 2011 when she met an Italian Veteran ahead of Remembrance Weekend.
The Princess of Wales debuts a new dress Cefinn Eva Wool Knit Maxi Navy Dress. Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id. The £290 dress was described as, “Neatly blending comfort and style, rib-knit dresses are having something of a moment this season. Enter Eva, our hero shape, which is designed in a heavy (non-mulesing) merino-wool blend”.
Catherine was wearing Gianvito Rossi 105 Blue Suede Pumps.
She was carrying her Mulberry Small Amberley Satchel Bag with Top Handle that she debuted in November 2022 when she attended the Boston City Hall event.
The Princess of Wales wore Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings.
