Queen's University Belfast welcomed The Princess Royal to its School of Nursing & Midwifery this week in her role as Patron of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The visit comes as the School nears 30 years since Queen's introduced nursing and midwifery education, underscoring the University's impact through education, research and innovation.

Her Royal Highness explored the KN Cheung SK Chin InterSim Centre, a cutting-edge simulation facility that supports excellence in interprofessional, simulation-based healthcare training. During a tour, she met midwifery students, lecturers and practising midwives to hear how the School prepares future midwives for the complex realities of modern clinical practice in a safe, guided environment.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the University's Medical Biology Centre by Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, and Deputy Lieutenant.

Professor Sir Ian Greer said: "It was with a great deal of pride that we welcomed The Princess Royal to Queen's University Belfast today. As Patron of the RCM, we recognise her invaluable role in championing the midwifery profession.

"Each year, around 550 students graduate from the School of Nursing & Midwifery, with almost 3,000 graduating in the past five years alone. As Northern Ireland's sole provider of undergraduate midwifery education, Queen's is proud of its strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the RCM. Therefore, it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to campus today and to highlight our ongoing commitment to preparing the healthcare workforce of the future."

The visit was led by Professor Kenda Crozier, Head of the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen's and Professor of Midwifery, who guided The Princess Royal through the InterSim facilities and introduced staff and students.

Professor Kenda Crozier said: "It was an honour to welcome The Princess Royal, and it was a wonderful experience for everyone. "Today was a particularly special opportunity for the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen's to highlight our commitment to research and education that contributes to ensuring that women and families across Northern Ireland receive high-quality maternity care.

"It was also an opportunity to celebrate the continued success of our staff and students and recognise the many achievements that set the School apart. From attaining the Athena SWAN Gold Award in recognition of our sector-leading commitment to gender equality, to our UNICEF Gold Award Baby-Friendly Initiative which supports breastfeeding, there is much to be proud of."

Midwifery student Abi Sharpe described how simulation has enhanced her learning and confidence.

Abi Sharpe said: "Simulated practice has been invaluable throughout my midwifery training, giving me a safe space to build my clinical skills, confidence and decision-making. For me, it has reinforced the importance of providing compassionate, evidence-based and individualised support to every family. So, to have the opportunity to showcase this to The Princess Royal today was an amazing experience for all the students involved."

Representatives from the RCM joined the engagement, including Dr Dale Spence, Director RCM Northern Ireland.

Dr Dale Spence said: "We were delighted to welcome our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to Northern Ireland today and to showcase the tremendous work of the School of Nursing & Midwifery and its partners, including the Royal College of Midwives.

"It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet our amazing midwifery students, lecturers, midwives, maternity support workers, public health and policy colleagues and advocacy and community groups.

"Through education, research, innovation and partnership, we are all working towards the same goal of ensuring women and families across Northern Ireland receive the best possible maternity care – the care they truly need and deserve.

"The community of student midwives at the university is outstanding, and Queen's University Belfast Midwifery Society was a very deserving winner at the RCM Awards earlier this year. There's a lot to celebrate at Queen's, including the next generation of midwives coming through, and today was a great opportunity to do just that."

The visit concluded with The Princess Royal unveiling a plaque at the KN Cheung SK Chin InterSim Centre to commemorate the occasion.