Cumbrian nurse meets the King in once-in-a-lifetime trip

Clinical Nurse Educator Monica Dsouza, who works for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), was invited to a reception for international nurses and midwives at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty the King.

The event, which took place last month, recognised both international nurses and midwives, and those who have contributed to their development.

This year’s event was extra special because it celebrated the 75th birthday of both the NHS and King Charles III himself.

Monica, who joined CNTW having moved from India in 2018, recalls getting the phone call from her line manager telling her the news.

She said: "I was working when Anne-Marie called me and said you might want to take a seat. I thought something was wrong and when she said I had been invited to an event with the King, I thought it must have been a joke. It was a complete shock to me."

Monica was joined by NHS colleagues and health organisations from across the UK.

Monica outside Buckingham Palace (Image: Supplied)

His Majesty greeted the group and Monica even got the chance to have a conversation with him. 

She said: "I wished the King happy birthday. I told him I’m from Mumbai and said I hoped he would visit. He made a joke about how bad the traffic is there!"

Monica works in the Trust’s International Recruitment and Relocation Support Team.

She works with staff who have been recruited internationally, supporting them with their transition to the UK.

Once they arrive, Monica helps them prepare for their exams. Since starting her role, she has been a pivotal part of their growth and development and has trained nearly 100 nurses.

On her trip to the Palace, she added: “I’m so grateful to the Trust and to NHS England for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Never in my dreams did I think this would happen.

"It has made me feel appreciated for the work I do and will be a memory to share with the grandchildren in the future."