RCOG confirms new patron

By Julie Griffiths on 27 February 2018 RCOG - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Royal Family

The Duchess of Cambridge has been announced as the new patron of the RCOG.

The announcement was made today (27 February) when the Duchess visited the RCOG headquarters in London.

During her visit, Her Royal Highness was informed about the college’s education, training and global health programmes, and viewed demonstrations in essential clinical skills and safe surgical techniques. 

She also attended a roundtable discussion on tackling the stigma around women’s health, in particular, maternal mental health, and was presented with a certificate to mark her patronage by RCOG president Lesley Regan.

While at the RCOG, the Duchess was reunited with midwife Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, who was present at the births of both Prince George and Princess Charlotte at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington, London.

The RCOG last welcomed a patron in 1947 when Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother accepted the role on the award of the college’s royal charter. 

Lesley said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that the Duchess of Cambridge has graciously accepted our invitation to become the RCOG’s second patron after Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It is a great honour for the college, now in its 89th year, and its 16,000 members in the UK and around the world.

‘As a young mother we know that maternal health and wellbeing is an issue close to the Duchess’s heart. We hope that this new relationship will build on our work to improve healthcare for women everywhere, and ensure that women’s views on the care they receive are at the heart of everything we do.’