The Queen has made carried out her first engagement with the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland since becoming the organisation’s patron.

Queen Camilla welcomed the QNIS to a special reception which she hosted at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh.

Her Majesty welcomed current and past nurses with the organisation at the special event which was held in the famous Great Gallery at Holyroodhouse.

There was also a special gift for The Queen who was presented with a Queen’s Nurse badge.

Accepting the honour, Queen Camilla said ”I feel very undeserving of this award, especially having spoken to so many of you, I’ve seen how much you do for so many things….I’m sure so many people are indebted to your care, they probably wouldn’t know what to do without you.”

Queen Camilla became patron of QNIS in 2024 following Queen Elizabeth II who held the role for many years.

The organisation’s association with royalty and with queens in particular stretches back to the 19th century. The QNIS was set up in 1899 after a donation of £70,000 from Queen Victoria.

The QNIS now supports and develops community nurses and midwives across Scotland. It currently has over 170 nurses working in community settings including care homes and schools.