Delegates at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) annual conference were left stunned at the surprise arrival of Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal to their national conference in Birmingham on Thursday.

In a special speech, she thanked midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) for the incredible work they do in transforming and positively impacting the lives of women and their families across the UK every day.

The arrival of the RCM’s Patron left the unsuspecting RCM members pleasantly stunned and some even speechless on the final day of the RCM’s conference at the International Confederation Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

Evie Pearson a midwife from Leicester’s Royal Infirmary, said:

“It’s amazing to know we have someone so high up that actually cares and values us as midwives. Also, to know that HRH would take time out to visit us at our conference, it’s so special and I feel like it’s an iconic moment.”

The excitement was palpable, and gasps of surprise and delight could be heard from the midwives and MSWs who had been patiently seated awaiting the arrival of a ‘surprise visitor’ as HRH The Princess Royal made her way into the main conference auditorium.

Addressing delegates Her Royal Highness spoke about seeing firsthand the incredible work that RCM members across the UK day do every day and their shining commitment to women and families. You could hear a pin drop as the Princess Royal recalled the professionalism, passion and patience she has witnessed on her many visits to maternity services as Patron of the RCM, also remarking on the increasing number of women choosing to retrain as midwives having experienced good midwifery care. She said this was something worthy of note.

Kerry Langham a midwifery lecturer from the University of Sheffield, said she and her colleagues had no idea the Princess Royal was going to be at the RCM’s conference,

“To have a member of the Royal Family here with us is incredible. We’ve been completely blown away, we had absolutely no idea Her Royal Highness was arriving today. I loved what she was saying and how much she knew about maternity services and midwifery. It’s so nice to know that she supports us as midwives and values what we do.”

Meanwhile, Joan a newly qualified midwife from Birmingham, said: “I’ve just recently graduated, I had my fortieth birth in March. So, this really is a special surprise and a great way to celebrate. It’s such a lovely treat for all the midwives and RCM members here. I’ve never been this close to a member of the Royal family, and I had shivers with excitement.”

The Princess Royal did not forget that International Day of the Midwife (IDM) takes place this coming Monday (5 May)., mentioning during her speech that it was right the work of midwives was recognised around the world. Because of the work of midwives and MSWs do, she said, women and babies have better outcomes.

Following her speech, the Princess Royal toured the conference exhibition area and met with RCM members to view posters they had prepared about clinical and educational practice. The RCM’s Patron also visited the RCM’s stand where she met with RCM staff members who chatted and discussed the work they do to support RCM members from the beginning of their student journeys throughout their careers.

ENDS

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• Photograph 1 – Credit to photographer Kate Darkins
• Stand out speak up: Our midwifery community in action, was the theme of the RCM’s Annual Conference which ran over two days. The conference enables midwives and MSWs from across the UK to come together share learning and showcase examples of good midwifery practice.
• Sessions on the programme included Delivering Equity and working with language barriers in maternity services, navigating loss, providing compassionate midwifery care and What Midwives Need to know about pre-term birth.
• More information on the RCM’s Annual Conference is available here
• Keep up to date with all the latest RCM news and media releases here

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team.  We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team