His Majesty King Charles III congratulated an Essex teenager recently on becoming the thousandth young person to qualify under his Royal College of Nursing (RCN) cadet programme.
The King was visiting the RCN to relaunch the King’s Nursing Cadets under that name. The scheme had previously been called the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadets before His Majesty ascended the throne.
Cadet Corporal Harrison Rigby of Blackheath Detachment, Essex Army Cadet Force (ACF), and four of his county comrades were among the young people from around the country to complete the latest RCN King’s Nursing Cadets course, which formed part of the relaunch. And the Essex teen explained, meeting His Majesty wasn’t the only surprise of the day.
“Hearing I was thousandth King’s Nursing Cadet was a bit of a shock,” Cdt Cpl Rigby said, “but I’m so excited to represent cadets from across the UK and talk about my experience. Meeting the King and receiving a certificate is a moment I will never forget.”
The RCN King’s Nursing Cadets programme started in 2019 and was inspired by the King. Cadets complete 40 hours of teaching and learning experience through the scheme, along with 20 hours of clinical observation in a healthcare setting. That experience not only earns young people a prestigious certificate, but also equips them with the skills and knowledge that can help them on the path to a clinical career.
Cdt Cpl Rigby said: “I’ve really enjoyed the programme—especially the hospital visit, which was eye-opening. I’m definitely planning a career in health and the cadet programme has helped a lot.”
Of the 33 Nursing Cadets to meet and speak with the King, five were from Essex ACF. Each of them played an important part in the Royal visit, with Cdt Sgt Matilda Goldhill taking part in a demonstration for His Majesty on how to tackle choking and Cdt Cpl Rigby’s twin brother, Cdt Cpl Jefferson Rigby, serving the King a cup of tea during his visit.
Cdt Sgt Remy Alami and Cdt Sgt Evie Papademederiou helped teach the King how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Commonly called CPR or “chest compressions”, this emergency lifesaving procedure keeps someone’s blood circulating if their heart stops.
Demonstrating one of the core values of the Army Cadet Force—courage—Cdt Sgt Alami even corrected the King’s technique, and His Majesty took the lesson to heart!
The King’s Nursing Cadets programme is delivered by the Royal College of Nursing in partnership with youth organisations, education settings and healthcare providers. Essex ACF’s Honorary Colonel Clinton Riley OBE has championed the initiative from the beginning and has facilitated the involvement of the Essex ACF under the guidance of Medical Support Officer Capt Miles Ward.
Both Capt Ward and the Commandant of Essex ACF, Col Pete Mills, attended the event to support the five Essex Army Cadets participating. Essex ACF is already looking forward to the next cohort from their ranks becoming King’s Nursing Cadets and offer their thanks to the Royal College of Nursing for providing their young people with such an opportunity.
Prof Nicola Ranger, Chief Executive and General Secretary at the RCN, said: “We are delighted to have been joined by His Majesty as we rename the cadet scheme and celebrate our wonderful cadets from across the UK. Nursing is an incredible career and the support of His Majesty has inspired young people to begin their journey working in healthcare.
“We look forward to building on the strength of the programme, with the continued support of His Majesty.”