The King visits Guy’s to mark 300th anniversary

His Majesty The King met patients and staff today during a special visit to the Cancer Centre at Guy’s.

The visit was part of celebrations to mark the 300^th anniversary of Guy’s Hospital and also comes 10 years after the Cancer Centre first opened.

His Majesty began the tour in King’s College London’s Innovation Hub, where scientists and clinicians work together to embed cutting-edge cancer research and access to clinical trials directly into patient care.

The King was given a demonstration of the latest robotic assisted surgical system by Professor Ben Challacombe, who explained that most cancer surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ is now carried out using the technology. The Trust has the largest robotic surgery programme in the UK and performs hundreds of operations every year.

His Majesty also heard from researchers about projects to develop a new type of immunotherapy treatment for breast cancer and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide drug discovery.

The King spent much of his time speaking with patients receiving treatment in the Chemotherapy Village and listening to their experiences. He also met staff working on the unit.

Afterwards, His Majesty joined hospital staff and King’s College London representatives gathered in the Welcome Village to unveil a plaque to commemorate the visit and mark Guy’s Hospital’s 300^th anniversary.

Dame Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “This visit from The King meant a huge amount to our patients and staff. His Majesty brings real insight and empathy to what our patients are going through due to his own cancer journey.

“For our staff, who work so hard and care so deeply, visits like this bring much deserved recognition for what they do, each and every day.

“We are incredibly proud that Guy’s Hospital has been serving our communities for 300 years now and days like today add to that rich history.”