HRH The Princess Royal, who has been royal patron of Cambridgeshire-based Magpas Air Ambulance since 2020, has reaffirmed her support for the local lifesaving charity.
The Princess Royal has seen the charity grow over recent years; first showing her support for Magpas Air Ambulance by becoming a patron of the charity’s capital campaign to build a new base. Her Royal Highness came to multiple events throughout the base build, including a cornerstone unveiling when the site was under construction, and the official opening of the building that has allowed the service to be there for more patients than ever before.
She has since become a royal patron of the charity, having seen the vital work Magpas Air Ambulance carries out in Cambridgeshire and across the East of England 24/7, 365 days a year.
In a recent letter to the charity, Princess Anne writes: “I am delighted to continue my support of Magpas Air Ambulance and commend the vital work it undertakes in the region.
“For over fifty years, Magpas Air Ambulance has been at the forefront of delivering critical care to those in urgent need, often at the most challenging of times, saving countless lives. The dedication and professionalism of the doctors and paramedics who make up the medical team is exemplary, and their commitment to saving lives and improving outcomes for patients demonstrates the highest standards of service and compassion.
“As a charity, Magpas Air Ambulance relies on public support and its partnerships within the NHS and emergency services, the strength of which will ensure it remains a lifeline for communities across the region for many years to come.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who contribute to the mission of Magpas Air Ambulance and who save untold lives through their work across the region.”
The continuing support from HRH The Princess Royal comes at a time when Magpas Air Ambulance experienced its busiest year on record, as the charity’s medical team was activated to patients in life-threatening emergencies 1,198 times in 2025.
With 61% of emergencies taking place in Cambridgeshire, Magpas Air Ambulance relies heavily on the generosity of supporters in the local community.
Magpas Air Ambulance CEO, Daryl Brown MBE DL, explains, “2025 was our busiest year to date, continuing a clear and consistent trend of increasing activations year on year. This growth shows just how much the demand for our air ambulance service is rising, and we are proud to be able to respond when critically ill and injured patients need us most.
“We’re incredibly grateful that HRH The Princess Royal has chosen to reaffirm her support of Magpas Air Ambulance as our royal patron at this crucial time, and echo her gratitude to the communities that keep us flying and saving lives every day. None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of the public and the tireless fundraising efforts of the communities we serve.”
Families across the East of England needed Magpas Air Ambulance’s lifesaving care more than ever before in 2025. However, as a charity, that means raising additional funds to reach every new patient.
Daryl continues, “Each mission costs an average of £3,000, and it’s only thanks to our donors, fundraisers, volunteers, staff and team of lifesavers that we can continue to be a lifeline in the community, we are very grateful to Her Royal Highness for continuing her support.”
