Her Majesty The Queen

As Visitor – the equivalent of a patron for other organisations, but a much older term reflecting the RCP’s heritage – Her Majesty visited the organisation three times, most recently in 2018 to mark the RCP’s 500th anniversary.

During this visit to the RCP’s Regent’s Park, London, headquarters, The Queen came face-to-face with a portrait of her predecessor King Henry VIII, who agreed to the founding of the college in 1518 when asked by his own personal doctor Thomas Linacre.

The Queen first visited the building for its official opening in 1964 and returned in 1986 to open the nearby medical precinct of terraced houses, which had been refurbished to accommodate RCP departments and other medical organisations.

The Union Flag will replace the RCP flag outside the building and be flown at half-mast until The Queen’s funeral. We have also opened an online book of condolence which can be signed.

Sir Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: “This is a time of great sadness for the RCP and our members all over the world. We have been honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen as our Visitor for more than 70 years. Many of our members’ work in hospitals The Queen visited during her long reign, some of which bear her name, and they will no doubt reflect on the interest she showed in their work, the support she gave to our NHS and the joy she brought to those colleagues and patients fortunate enough to meet her. She was much loved by many in the RCP and will be greatly missed.”