The Prince and Princess of Wales were the surprise guests of honor at a tea party to mark the NHS’s 75th anniversary yesterday.

William and Kate, both 41, arrived early for the NHS Big Tea party to help set the tables, finish a birthday cake and even pipe icing on cupcakes.

Asked to help decorate a number of cakes, William was decidedly more heavy-handed than his enthusiastic baker’s wife as he applied a decidedly generous helping of icing.

‘Is that good?’ he asked as Kate burst out laughing and put her hand over her mouth.

The event at St Thomas’ Hospital in London was organized by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are Patrons – and television presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously presented the Great British Bake Off.

Alice Fevronia, a finalist on the show, also joined the couple and helped make the cake.

Kate looked stunning when she opted for a £1,515 blue Alessandra Rich dress – which she has previously worn at Wimbledon – alongside a pair of earrings.

The party was attended by people who represented the incredible achievements of the NHS over the past 75 years.

After the guests arrived in the hospital’s welfare garden, the royal couple came out with a huge birthday cake gasping in amazement.

They then sat down to talk to some of the invited, including Aneira Thomas, the first baby to be born in the NHS, as well as medical research pioneers and those on the front line in tackling Covid-19 .

They also spent time with Blanche Hines, who worked as a nurse for nearly 50 years after arriving in the UK as part of the Windrush generation.

Mrs Hines inspired another two generations of her family to work for the NHS. “The things some of them have done are incredible,” the prince marveled.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to thank everyone,” the princess said.

“That’s why William and I wanted to come here to thank you, congratulate you, and wish you a happy birthday.”

The Prince and Princess concluded their visit with a video message to the entire NHS, holding up signs and saying: ‘Wishing everyone a very happy 75th birthday to the NHS. Thank you very much for everything you do.’

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: ‘As the national charity that looks after the NHS, NHS Charities Together is for anyone who wants to give back to their people, who all give so much to us, and that little extra . support has never been more important.

“It includes providing staff psychologists, counseling, peer support training, and much more.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons for NHS Charities Together in December 2020, at the height of the pandemic.

The charity’s 2020 urgent Covid-19 appeal raised more than £160 million.

Since then it has distributed nearly £100 million to reach every NHS Trust in the UK.

Donations have funded thousands of projects, including staff mental health support and training and equipment for community first responders.

Mel Giedroyc said it was an ‘utter privilege’ to be involved, adding that people were ‘so delighted’ with the ‘quintessentially beautiful, British day’.

Dr. Neil Rees, a clinical psychologist consultant who runs the staff wellbeing program at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – who benefited from NHS charitable funding – said: ‘The Prince of Wales was very aware of the support given by the charities of the NHS and how essential it is. is, and really understood the issues and complexities – especially with the current challenges we face.

“The pandemic has shed a light on staff needs, but he was keen to talk about how we keep caring roles like mine, and how charities play a big role in that. It was very special to be recognized in that way.’

William and Kate visited St Thomas’ in May ahead of the NHS anniversary on Wednesday.

The NHS Big Tea is now entering its sixth year raising money to support staff, patients and volunteers.