“Prince of Wales Expresses Immense Pride in Supporting Heroic First Responders and Their Vital Contributions to Society.”
On January 15, 2025, Prince William visited Birmingham to attend the inaugural Emergency and Critical Care Conference, marking his first public engagement of the year. As the newly appointed patron of the College of Paramedics, he expressed pride in supporting the profession and highlighted the importance of mental health resources for first responders. A role that underscores the Prince of Wales commitment to supporting first responders and their vital contributions to society. His patronage highlights the importance of the paramedic profession, particularly in promoting mental health resources and well-being for those working tirelessly on the front lines.
As Patron, Prince William has actively engaged with paramedics across the UK, advocating for greater recognition of their work and addressing challenges they face, including the impact of stress and trauma. His dedication to the profession reflects his broader interest in healthcare and emergency services, reinforcing his role as a champion for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. The former air ambulance helicopter pilot addressed the College of Paramedics’ inaugural emergency and critical care conference in Birmingham. Prince William told visitors from across the country that saving lives was “not the only challenge you face”. He added “you are there for people in the most critical and emotional moments, having to display care and skill in highly stressful and often distressing circumstances”.
The College of Paramedics
The College of Paramedics undertakes extraordinary work in advancing the paramedic profession and supporting its members, who serve as vital lifelines in emergency healthcare. As the professional body for paramedics across the UK, the College provides education, training, and development opportunities to ensure practitioners deliver the highest standards of care. It also advocates for the well-being of paramedics, addressing challenges such as mental health and workplace resilience. By championing innovation, influencing policy, and fostering collaboration across healthcare sectors, the College plays a critical role in shaping the future of paramedic practice while celebrating the invaluable contributions of those who save lives daily.
Ed Griffiths HM Coast Guard
Before his speech, he met a number of conference speakers and attending paramedics including an old colleague from RAF Valley, Ed Griffiths, who was a winchman on rescue missions with the prince before joining HM Coastguard as a winch-paramedic. He said later: “I worked two years with him, I had a great time. “It was a pleasure, honour and privilege to serve with him and to have life experiences I wouldn’t have got, had I not worked with him.”
Aston Villa Fans Wetherspoons Birmingham
Following the conference, Prince William surprised Aston Villa football fans by joining them at a local Wetherspoons pub, the London and Northwestern, where he bought a round of drinks and engaged in discussions about the team’s performance. A dedicated Aston Villa supporter, he shared his enthusiasm for the club and mentioned that his son, Prince George, is also a fan.
Prince William joined eight supporters around a group of tables at the Birmingham pub, before the fans, all season ticket holders, made the trip to the club’s away match at Everton on Wednesday. He sipped on a pint of Bulmers cider as they chatted about their beloved club for around 30 minutes, though staff at the bar were tight-lipped about who paid for the round of drinks. One fan said the prince was a “genuine bloke who really loves Villa” and that he also weighed in on the Premier League fixture, saying he “thought it would be a tough game”. The pub trip to the London and North Western Wetherspoon inside Birmingham New Street railway station was organised after the prince asked the football club to arrange a gathering with some die-hard supporters.
Daniel Jones, 18, a sixth form college student from Burntwood, Staffordshire, said the prince was a “lovely guy, proper down to earth” who “loves Villa and the passion we all share”.
“I think if he didn’t have other commitments he would have loved to be at the match,” he added.
John McEvoy, 64, from Solihull, who runs a catering equipment business, said: “William said a family friend took him to his first game – Villa against Bolton – and he’s loved the team ever since.
“He said he would be watching the match on TV tonight. He was just a really nice, genuine bloke who really loves Villa.”
This visit occurred shortly after Princess Kate announced her remission from cancer, underscoring the couple’s commitment to their public roles amidst personal challenges. Prince William’s engagement in Birmingham not only emphasized his support for paramedics but also showcased his genuine connection with the community and fellow football enthusiasts.