Local staff from NHS Forth Valley were personally thanked by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at special drive-in cinema event which took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

The couple, who are joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, hosted NHS staff from across Scotland for the special screening of Disney’s Cruella, in recognition of their vital work throughout the pandemic.

A special drive-in cinema event took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Heather Riddoch, Senior Charge Nurse for ITU, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, said: “I can only describe the event as a magical experience. I felt very honoured to have met HRH the Duke of Cambridge and his wife, who both very kindly took the time to speak to both myself and my daughter Jessica. They seemed genuinely interested in my work, the impact specifically in ITU and on the staff.

“They spent time speaking to Jessica and asked her what her dreams and aspirations were. Prince William also asked me to convey his best wishes to all staff in NHS Forth Valley. We were also given complimentary goodies to eat in a beautiful bag with the crest of Holyroodhouse and a bag of Cruella merchandise from the Disney store.

Hilary Warkentin
Hilary Warkentin, Senior Staff Nurse, Immunisation Team

Heather was joined by Hilary Warkentin, Senior Staff Nurse, Immunisation Team, who attended the event with her mum. She said: “It was such an exciting and amazing experience and a lovely way for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to show their appreciation and thanks to NHS staff.

“We managed to be in the front row of cars for the film screening. Prince William and Kate actually came over to my car and chatted with mum and I and gave us some popcorn. My mum is a principal teacher at St Modan’s High School and she really appreciated that I brought her along.”

Credit to PA for featured images.