Prince Edward unveils new St John’s Wood cancer centre

Prince Edward went out of his way to chat to St John’s Wood residents when he came to the area to officially open a new hospital last week.

On arrival at the Wellington Hospital’s new Platinum Medical Centre, the prince left waiting dignitaries and crossed over the road to meet local residents who had congregated with Union Jack flags.

After chatting with locals he then went inside and met the hospital’s chief executive Keith Hague and Westminster deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Cyril Nemeth before enjoying a tour of the hospital’s different departments.

Unveiling a plaque in the hospital lobby, Prince Edward said: “Thank you very much for inviting me to come and see the building and meet some of the patients and staff, all of whom seem to give the building a massive thumbs up.

“A big congratulations for all of those who put it together in what seems like a short period of time. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

The �33million centre, in Lodge Road, has a focus on cancer care and is expected to cater for 70,000 people in its first year.