Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, paid an emotional tribute to the service that had saved her life.
The royal choked back her tears as she visited the life-saving service and recalled the near-death moments.
She even practiced a life-saving intervention during her time at the Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters in Stokenchurch.
Sophie, who turns 61 on 20 January 2026, has maintained a deep connection with the charity since becoming a patient in 2001. She was appointed its Royal Patron in 2019.
The service helped save Sophie’s life almost a quarter of a century ago. She turns 61 next week.
Reacting to the royal visit, Amanda McLean, chief executive of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “It was an honor to welcome Her Royal Highness back to Thames Valley Air Ambulance headquarters.”
“It was fantastic to be able to show the Duchess our extended facilities and give Her Royal Highness an insight into the training our crews undertake,” she added.
She thanked supporters for keeping the service on the frontline saving lives for another year.
Sophie experiences a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy in 20021, requiring an emergency airlift to King Edward VII Hospital in London for emergency surgery.
Even after the traumatic experience, she gave birth to two children: Lady Louise Windsor arrived in 2003, followed by James, Earl of Wessex, in 2007.
Following her medical emergency, she personally expressed her gratitude to pilot Andy Busby and paramedic Tim Goddard at a charity fundraising dinner.
