The Prince of Wales has taken on a new patronage this week, lending his support to The Fleming Centre, an appeal to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

In a press release by Kensington Palace earlier this week, William was announced as the Centre’s new patron to “support efforts over the next five years” to make its ambitious plans a reality.

The Fleming Centre is a new project by The Fleming Initiative that will operate at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.

Its five-year building appeal will see William support the Centre and its work so that when it opens in 2028, it is ready to tackle the issues of antimicrobial resistance. The location is the same as where Sir Sanford Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes develop a resistance to antibiotics and antifungals and kills patients instead of stemming the medical issue. This is attributed to overuse and misuse of treatments and could kill up to ten million people per year by 2050 if not resolved.

According to Kensington Palace, The Fleming Centre will “educate, inspire and catalyse action” to help society effectively tackle antimicrobial resistance. Scientists will work alongside policymakers, patients and the public to work on solutions to antimicrobial resistance so as to continue protecting people with antibiotics.

The aim will be to turn the achievements of The Fleming Centre into a blueprint that can be localised around the world after using the collaborative efforts of scientists and the public to source solutions to the problem.

The Fleming Centre is a joint initiative by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

“I’m delighted that Prince William has become Patron of the appeal to create The Fleming Centre. This is a hugely important initiative that will help to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system,” said Professor Tim Orchard, the chief executive of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, in a statement.

In a social media post, William shared: “Over one million people a year die as a result of antimicrobial resistance. The Fleming Centre will drive a global movement to tackle it.

“Proud to become Patron of the appeal to create this vital centre, which will educate, inspire and catalyse action to solve this problem.”