A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at a reception for the Metropolitan and City Police Orphans Fund
Published
Our society is defined by how we look after those who keep us all safe. It matters deeply that we help the families who play such an important role in supporting them.
Thank you Alistair and hello to everybody here today.
I’m delighted to welcome you all to St James’s Palace today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Metropolitan and City Police Orphans Fund.
Over the past 150 years – as the oldest police charity in the world – the Fund has provided care to the children of police officers in their hour of greatest need.
Our society is defined by how we look after those who keep us all safe. It matters deeply that we help the families who play such an important role in supporting them.
I am therefore immensely proud that the Metropolitan and City Police Orphans Fund provides such comfort and reassurance to the children of police officers who have so sadly lost their lives or livelihoods.
Since 1870, over 15,000 children have directly benefitted from this support.
And today The Fund provides around £1 million a year to help just over 300 children with educational costs, holidays, university fees and extracurricular activities.
It has been wonderful to hear from so many of you today about the tangible impact that the support provided by the Fund is having on your lives.
People like Aidan Gurr – the winner of last year’s Philip Cronin Award for Endeavour and Achievement.
With the Fund’s support, Aidan has gone on to become a special constable and a graduate with a degree in Paramedic Science.
Aidan was supposed to be here today but I understand he was on night shift last night so sadly hasn’t been able to make it. We all know how difficult night shifts can be!
Many congratulations to Aidan, and everyone else here today who have achieved such great things in the face of such challenging circumstances.
Finally, I wanted to end by thanking all the staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to the Fund.
Today’s event, and the celebration of such a landmark moment in the charity’s history, is a testament to the hugely important role that you all play.
Thank you.
Related content
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Commonwealth Games
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Scotland
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visited the Foundling Museum
The inaugural Earthshot Prize Ceremony Awards London
The Duke of Cambridge attended The Royal Foundation’s Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge the Centrepoint 50th Anniversary Gala
It might seem an odd thing to say at a milestone event such as this, but I hope that Centrepoint will not need to be around in another 50 years.
The Duke of Cambridge marks 50 years of Centrepoint
The King's Cup
A speech delivered by The Duke of Cambridge at the Child Bereavement UK 25th Birthday Gala Dinner
With great sympathy and sensitivity, you have spent the last 25 years working with children, young people and families to help them navigate the difficult path of grief.
The Duke of Cambridge and the FA launch 'Heads Up' mental health campaign
A speech delivered by The Duke of Cambridge at a United for Wildlife Joint Taskforce meeting
It has taken a lot of hard work – and real commitment – to get to the point where you are all sitting here together today. And we should all feel proud that we’re starting to...
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex launch Shout
A speech delivered by The Duke of Cambridge at the Workplace Wellbeing Conference
I am delighted that The Royal Foundation and Mind will be launching a new Workplace Wellbeing Programme in September to support employers across the country
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at The Royal Foundation Forum
When we work together, we are greater than the sum of our parts." – The Duke of Cambridge on the impact of The Royal Foundation and its ability to bring people together to...
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the National Launch of Step into Health, London
Supporting veterans has always been a key plank of the work my brother and I have done through The Royal Foundation. The men and women of our armed forces who stand up to...
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry celebrate World Mental Health Day
09 October 2017A speech by The Duke of Cambridge to launch the SkillForce Prince William Award
Ben, thank you. I think you've said it all - about what incredible work SkillForce does, why character education for young people matters and what this award is aiming to...
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at The Guild of Health Writers Conference
My thanks to all of you, for your continued focus as journalists on mental health, breaking down the barriers around it.
A speech by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the Heads Together event, London 2017
It is no exaggeration to say that conversations – simple conversations – can be life-changing: in a workplace, in your kitchen at home, with a friend, family member or...
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry attend charity Christmas party
19 December 2016A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Heads Together Unilever Conference
Without employers committed to changing attitudes, we would be pushing a rock uphill – but, with you, we can and will change the way we think about mental health in this...
A speech by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for Heads Together on World Mental Health Day
To us, mental health first aid means getting in there early to support people, before what they're going through becomes more serious or even clinical.
A speech delivered by The Duke of Cambridge at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Dinner in aid of SkillForce
Thank you, Sonia, for your very kind introduction. I personally am very pleased to be here again as Patron of 100 Women in Hedge Funds' philanthropic initiatives. In fact, it...
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Founders Forum 2016
I believe that, by your coming together creatively and openly to tackle bullying, you will be creating an enduring model for how the Internet should progress into the next...
Leading Technology companies join The Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce declaration signing
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you so much for joining us here at Buckingham Palace for the signing of this declaration. Lord Hague, on behalf of everyone here, can I say a huge...
The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the launch of the Centrepoint Awards
The impact of homelesseness is not temporary.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Child Bereavement Charity UK 21st Anniversary dinner
What my mother recognised back then – and what I understand now – is that grief is the most painful experience that any child or parent can endure.
A message by The Duke of Cambridge about Fields in Trust's Centenary Fields Campaign
The spaces were living memorials, spaces for reflection and enjoyment, stillness and activity.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Winter Whites Gala 2012
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great pleasure for me to be here tonight. I’m sure you will all agree, that was inspirational tennis. Thank you Goran and Tim. Good...