Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has paid a moving tribute to the service which saved her life.
The royal held back tears during her visit to the rescue service, recalling the near-death moments.
She even performed a life-saving procedure during her stay at Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters in Stokenchurch.
Sophie, who turns 61 on January 20, 2026, has had a deep connection with the charity since becoming a patient in 2001. She was named its royal patron in 2019.
This service helped save Sophie’s life almost a quarter of a century ago. She will be 61 next week.
Reacting to the royal visit, Amanda McLean, Managing Director of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “It was an honor to welcome Her Royal Highness back to Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters.”
“It was fantastic to be able to show the Duchess our expanded facilities and give Her Royal Highness an insight into the training our crews undergo,” she added.
She thanked her supporters for keeping the service on the front lines saving lives for another year.
Sophie experienced a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy in 20021, requiring emergency airlift to London’s King Edward VII Hospital for urgent surgery.
Even after this traumatic experience, she gave birth to two children: Lady Louise Windsor arrived in 2003, followed by James, Earl of Wessex, in 2007.
After her medical emergency, she personally expressed her gratitude to pilot Andy Busby and rescuer Tim Goddard at a charity fundraising dinner.
