Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh visits Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Sophie visited Thames Valley Air Ambulance in Stokenchurch on Jan. 14 and met crews and took part in training; the charity’s crew airlifted her in 2001 after an ectopic pregnancy, when she required emergency surgery.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters in Stokenchurch on Jan. 14. She toured the facilities, met rescue workers and practised a lifesaving intervention with the crew. The visit carried personal significance because a Thames Valley team airlifted her in 2001 from Bagshot Park after an ectopic pregnancy and she underwent emergency surgery at King Edward VII Hospital. Sophie was appointed royal patron of the service in January 2019 and has kept in contact with the charity since. Key details: - The visit took place at Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters in Stokenchurch on Jan. 14, 2026. - During the visit Sophie toured facilities, met rescue staff, and joined hands-on training practising a lifesaving intervention. - In 2001 a Thames Valley crew airlifted her for emergency surgery after an ectopic pregnancy; she was taken to King Edward VII Hospital. - Amanda McLean, chief executive of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said it was an honor to welcome her back and described the visit as an opportunity to show expanded facilities and training, reported by the BBC. - The charity reported a record year in 2025, with crews responding to 3,302 calls, according to Hello! magazine. Summary: The visit was described as a morale boost for staff and highlighted Sophie’s long-standing connection to the air ambulance service. The charity has released its 2025 statistics and expressed thanks to supporters. Undetermined at this time.