Holly sings happy birthday to the King

King Charles turned 75 last week – and our matron for resourcing and pastoral care was among a group able to wish him happy birthday.

Holly Starling-Cass was one of two representatives nominated by the deputy chief nurse for Kent and Medway to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace.

The event celebrated 75 years of the NHS, and particularly the contribution of nurses and midwives, including international colleagues who travel to the UK to work.

It took place on the King’s 75th birthday, and the reception ended with a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday, led by the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS choir and with all the guests joining in.

Holly said: “It was one of the real highlights of the event for me – a truly joyful moment. The choir first performed Lean on Me, while the King greeted people, and then they surprised him by singing Happy Birthday.

“I’m not an advocate of my singing ability but it was lovely to be part of it and His Majesty appeared genuinely touched by the tribute.”

More than 400 nurses and midwives from around the world attended the reception, recognising the fact that the NHS has one of the world’s most diverse workforces.

They were able to chat with members of the Royal Household, and Holly particularly enjoyed meeting Dame Mary Morrison, who had been one of the late Queen’s Ladies in Waiting since the 1960s.

Holly said; “She had a genuine desire to understand our backgrounds, and I was struck by her compassion, compose, and in awe of her ability to be such a natural conversationalist.

“If I could choose to pick up a conversation and continuing hearing about lived experiences, Dame Morrison would be on my top pick.”