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Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Thames Valley Air Ambulance After Record Year

Her patronage visit recognized the service’s surge in demand, with 3,302 call-outs reported in 2025.

Overview

  • Sophie toured expanded education and operations facilities, observed a training scenario at the Pre-hospital Education Centre, and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
  • Crews handled 1,230 cardiac arrests in 2025 and responded to 223 seriously ill or injured children, including 82 under five, with call-outs split across Buckinghamshire (1,162), Berkshire (1,090) and Oxfordshire (958).
  • Staff demonstrated new technology for more effective missions, and a paramedic said the duchess focused on delivering advanced care in austere environments, not just performing procedures.
  • Chief executive Amanda McLean called the visit an honor and noted Sophie is both a former patient and the charity’s Royal Patron, describing the engagement as a morale boost.
  • Coverage linked the appearance to Princess Anne’s recent statement praising carers and acknowledging the pressures they face.