The announcement was made today following the annual Act of Remembrance Service, with the unveiling of a portrait of Her Royal Highness at the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre. This new patronage signifies an important development for the service, founded in 2014 by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer.
The service has evolved into a nationally recognised model of care, leading to the creation of the £6 million Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre. This facility, the UK’s first dedicated orthopaedic centre for veterans, was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh in April 2023, with support from The Headley Court Charity.
Since its opening, the centre has provided specialist healthcare, understanding the unique backgrounds of veterans and Armed Forces personnel. In its first year, it welcomed over 2,000 patients. Lt Col Carl Meyer highlighted the vision to create care tailored to veterans' needs and expressed that the Duchess's support is 'humbling and immensely encouraging'.
The service is also piloting a Rehabilitation Service to explore enhanced recovery support, including coordinated advice and specialist expertise post-treatment. Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive of RJAH, expressed delight at the patronage, recognising the teams' work and the hospital's ambition for veteran care. Trust Chair Harry Turner added that the patronage underlines the importance of high standards of care for those who have served.
“"When we established the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service, the vision was to create care designed around the unique needs of veterans and serving personnel. To see how far it has come, and now to have the support of Her Royal Highness as Patron, is both humbling and immensely encouraging."
“"We are absolutely delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh has become Patron of our Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service."
“"The announcement that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh is becoming Patron of the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service is a proud moment for everyone associated with RJAH."
