Prince William attends the London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala

The Duke of Cambridge hailed the work of London’s Air Ambulance Charity as he urged guests at a gala dinner to help raise £15million needed for new helicopters.

Prince William, 39, who worked as a pilot for East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017, said he had seen ‘first-hand the difference trauma teams can make to those in need’.

In March 2020, the duke became patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, a service he understands well as he served as a helicopter pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, flying missions for two years before stepping down in July 2017 to focus on his royal duties.

He told the guests gathered for the black-tie event at a central London hotel: ‘What struck me when working as an air ambulance pilot was how serious injury does not discriminate.

The Duke of Cambridge (right), 39, looked dapper in a black suit and bow tie as he joined members of the London Air Ambulance at the charity event, held at at The Londoner Hotel in London

The royal father-of-three has been patron of the London Air Ambulance service since January 2019

The royal father-of-three has been patron of the London Air Ambulance service since January 2019

The Duke of Cambridge talks to guests at The London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala at The Londoner Hotel

The Duke of Cambridge talks to guests at The London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala at The Londoner Hotel

‘It can happen to anyone. At any time. In any place. Just one moment can turn a life upside down.

‘Earlier this evening, I had the great privilege to meet a young man named Bruno, and his father Daniel. At age 11, Bruno was knocked off his scooter by a vehicle and suffered a serious brain injury.

‘London’s Air Ambulance flew to him immediately, arriving within minutes to bring the hospital to his side and saving his life.’

He also praised the efforts of crews flying across the capital helping to save lives, saying: ‘London’s airspace is amongst the most difficult in the world in which to fly. The city is congested, and landing spaces are in short supply.

‘And over the last two years the coronavirus pandemic has added further difficulty to an already challenging situation.

’This makes all the more impressive the work that London’s Air Ambulance doctors, paramedics, pilots and support staff undertake every day to provide a life-saving service for the capital.’

Prince William appeared in great spirits as he attended the London's Air Ambulance Charity gala this evening

Prince William appeared in great spirits as he attended the London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala this evening

The Duke of Cambridge took to his Twitter account to share part of the speech he made at the event (above)

The Duke of Cambridge took to his Twitter account to share part of the speech he made at the event (above)

The London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala was raising funds for the Up Against Time appeal, which is seeking £15 million to replace the service’s two helicopters by the end of 2024.

Since its inception in 1989, London’s Air Ambulance has delivered life-saving treatment at the scene to an estimated 10 million people.

Before the dinner began William chatted to ambulance crews, who wore their orange overalls, and also supporters of the charity and volunteers.

Lynsey Grant, lead paramedic with London’s Air Ambulance Charity, joked with the future king who easily slipped back into crew banter.

The duke made the group laugh when he asked ‘Who’s going to carry all the bags?’, a reference to the medical kit the pilots would bring for their medical colleagues, and Ms Grant cheekily said the royal should join them for a drink.

William, who worked as a pilot for East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017, appeared to laugh and joke with other attendees, which included crew members, former patients and supporters

William, who worked as a pilot for East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017, appeared to laugh and joke with other attendees, which included crew members, former patients and supporters

William met with crew members and other guests before delivering a short speech at the occasion

Prince William attends The London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala at The Londoner Hotel

William met with crew members and other guests before delivering a short speech at the occasion

London’s Air Ambulance Charity delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in the British capital every day of the year. Pictured, Prince William, left

London’s Air Ambulance Charity delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in the British capital every day of the year. Pictured, Prince William, left

By the end of the pre-dinner reception Ms Grant and a colleague reappeared wearing their evening dresses and William quipped ‘That was a real Bond moment’ about their quick change.

Ms Grant said afterwards: ‘He really understands what we do and what we’re about, the challenges we face and how we work as a team. He’s been part of that, at a different organisation obviously, but he gets it.’

William met with crew members and other guests before delivering a short speech at the occasion. 

In March 2020, the Duke became Patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity after supporting their 30th Anniversary Campaign ‘Thirty Years Saving Lives’.

The campaign was launched to highlight the charity’s vital work in delivering life-saving treatment across London, and encourage support for the development of new facilities.

In March 2020, the Duke (pictured right) became Patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity after supporting their 30th Anniversary Campaign ‘Thirty Years Saving Lives’

In March 2020, the Duke (pictured right) became Patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity after supporting their 30th Anniversary Campaign ‘Thirty Years Saving Lives’

Earlier today, the Duke (pictured left) joined the Duchess of Cambridge at the Westminster Abbey to commemorate Anzac Day

Earlier today, the Duke (pictured left) joined the Duchess of Cambridge at the Westminster Abbey to commemorate Anzac Day

The Duke of Cambridge (pictured right) talking to guests on his table at The London Air Ambulance Charity Gala

The Duke of Cambridge (pictured right) talking to guests on his table at The London Air Ambulance Charity Gala

Prince William (pictured) spoke on stage at The London Air Ambulance Charity Gala about the work it delivers to critically injured people in London every day

Prince William (pictured) spoke on stage at The London Air Ambulance Charity Gala about the work it delivers to critically injured people in London every day

Earlier today, the Duke joined the Duchess of Cambridge at the Westminster Abbey to commemorate Anzac Day.

The traditional church service in the abbey featured an address by the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian high commissioners, prayers read by children of each country, and a Maori waiata performed by London-based Ngati Ranana London Maori Club.

Before visiting the service, William attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on behalf of the Queen.  

English socialite and TV personality Tamara Beckwith (pictured left) with her husband Giorgio Veroni (pictured right) made an appearance at tonight's air ambulance event

English socialite and TV personality Tamara Beckwith (pictured left) with her husband Giorgio Veroni (pictured right) made an appearance at tonight’s air ambulance event 

It comes after the the Duke of Gloucester, 77, attended the Dawn Service at the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park, which included readings and the Last Post sounded by a bugler.

Anzac Day – April 25 – marks the anniversary of the start of the First World War Gallipoli landings, and is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. 

English socialite and TV personality Tamara Beckwith, 52, made a rare appearance at tonight’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala with her husband Giorgio Veroni. 

Tamara wore a sparkling blue long-sleeve gown with silver sandals and white clutch bag.