Duke of Edinburgh gets a taste for volunteering during hospital visit

The Duke of Edinburgh visited King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on Wednesday to hear from young people volunteering on the wards as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). 

In his role as Patron of the DofE charity, Prince Edward joined young volunteers as they helped out with lunch service on the Marjory Warren Ward at the hospital in Denmark Hill, Camberwell.

The King’s brother helped the young volunteers as they gave out meals to patients. He also heard about how their regular volunteering tasks, which at lunchtime includes cutting up food for patients and opening food packages, are a source of support for patients and busy hospital staff.

The Marjory Warren Ward is a specially designed sensory ward for frail older people, which provides a friendlier and more relaxing environment for its patients who often have dementia and delirium.

The Duke learned from DofE volunteers about the befriending service they provide to patients, to help reduce isolation during their hospital stay.  

DofE participant Sayeed Ahmed, 18, from Ilford, has been volunteering with King’s College Hospital since April 2023 and is working towards his Silver DofE Award. 

Mr Ahmed, who helped host The Duke during his visit, said: “It has been brilliant meeting The Duke of Edinburgh today and showing him the difference DofE volunteers like me are making to patients at King’s College Hospital.

“I really enjoy the appreciation I receive from patients, even though my contributions to patient care are tiny compared to the doctors and nurses who do a wonderful job.”

Pictured top: The Duke of Edinburgh with King’s College Hospital staff during his visit last week (Picture: Jonny Master)