Image (4).jpgTwo deserving members of staff from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust had the honour of attending His Majesty the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 20th May after being nominated for the honour. 

Dr Muhammad Saif, Consultant in Haemato-Oncology, and Kate Lacey, Metastatic Cord Compression Service (MSCC) Lead, spent the day in London meeting members of The Royal Family, taking in the beautiful Palace grounds, and enjoying delicious tea and cakes. 

They were chosen to represent the NHS in the North West, in recognition of their outstanding public service, community contribution, and dedication to providing vital care for our patients. 

The day brought together guests from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, all recognised for their efforts in making a difference. 

Image (8).jpgOn finding out she’d been nominated, Kate said: “It was an absolute honour to be nominated to represent The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance for the work in MSCC and Urgent Cancer Care. 

“I work daily with impressive colleagues in our organisations and across the region who are very much part of the work we are being recognised for and I would like to acknowledge that the nomination is on behalf of the collective effort.” 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were joined by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as they hosted the last annual Garden Party of 2025 at Buckingham Palace. Also present were the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Guests stood alongside The Royal Family for the national anthem on the Terrace of Buckingham Palace before making their way towards the Royal Tea Tent, where they had the opportunity to speak with them. 

Image (5).jpgSpeaking about her excitement to meet The Royal Family, Kate said: “I was extremely lucky to have a brief chat with Princess Eugenie. I asked her if she had visited Liverpool and she said it was a beautiful city.” 

It was a particularly special event as it marked a return to the event for The Princess of Wales, who didn't attend any garden parties in 2024 amid her cancer treatment. 

Reflecting on the day, Dr Muhammad Saif said: “Thank you to the Trust for the nomination. It was an honour to be there to represent the stem cell transplant and cellular therapy team.”