28 March 2025
Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has commemorated the 10th anniversary of the College receiving its ‘Royal’ title.
Her Royal Highness acknowledged the milestone during her address to more than 700 delegates on site and online at RCEM’s Spring CPD Conference in Birmingham this week (26 March 2025), where she also emphasised the importance of sharing knowledge, experiences and learning amongst colleagues and peers to improve practice and patient outcomes.
The Princess Royal was greeted at the conference venue by Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, and Gordon Miles, RCEM’s Chief Executive.
RCEM’s Research Committee Chair, Professor Matt Reed, delivered a presentation on assessing and managing a patient’s sudden loss of consciousness in the Emergency Department.
Samantha McDonnell, a Consultant ACP and Associate Professor of Advanced Practice from University Hospital Birmingham and University of Warwick, also shared research on chest pain in A&E.
The Princess Royal met with the Chair of RCEM’s Environmental Specialist Interest Group (ESIG) Dr Sandy Robertson, committee member, Dr Timothy Spruell, as well as Emily Lesnik and Ronett Vasari from RCEM’s Clinical Quality team, to discuss the College’s GreenED programme.
The initiative aims to measure and reduce the environmental impact of A&Es in the UK and drive environmentally sustainable practices within the Emergency Medicine specialty.
Dr Boyle, said, “It was a great privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness to our Spring CPD conference.
“Her attendance was all the more special this year as she joined us in celebrating 10 years since RCEM was granted the title ‘Royal’ – an honour recognising the contribution of EM clinicians who work tirelessly to deliver urgent and emergency care.
“The Princess Royal conveyed her profound respect for our members and their colleagues, actively engaging with delegates and speakers.
“We are truly privileged to have such a devoted patron.”
The Princess has previously attended RCEM’s Annual Scientific Conference, as well as the College’s trainee conference, last year.
The College was granted the title ‘Royal’ on 4 February 2015 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, acting on advice of her Ministers and so became The Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
