On Tuesday, March 11, King Charles III visited the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in London to celebrate a significant milestone: the enrollment of the 1000th cadet in the King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme. Launched in 2019 under his inspiration as the then Prince of Wales, the program aims to equip young people aged 16 to 25 with essential skills to kickstart a nursing career. During the event, the monarch not only acknowledged the participants’ efforts but also got hands-on, joining practical training sessions like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The visit underscored the scheme’s importance at a time when the UK faces challenges in recruiting healthcare professionals, with over 1,156 young individuals having completed the training to date.
The RCN event marked the official transition of the program, previously known as the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme, to its current name, reflecting Charles’s new title as king. He met cadets from across the UK, including Harrison Rigby, a 16-year-old from Colchester, who received his certificate as the 1000th cadet. Before departing, the king delivered an encouraging message: “I’m so proud of all of you, and I hope you’ll have great success. We’ll rely on you more and more to keep everything going.”
Recent data highlights the program’s impact: 56% of former participants have pursued further education or jobs in nursing or health-related fields, while 88% said the scheme positively or extremely positively shaped their view of the profession. Charles’s visit reinforces his long-standing commitment to training new healthcare workers, a cause he has championed for years.
A king in action during cadet training
King Charles’s presence at the Royal College of Nursing went beyond a ceremonial role. He actively engaged in practical learning scenarios, performing CPR under the guidance of cadets like 17-year-old Mia Alami. With a lighthearted touch, Charles practiced chest compressions on a mannequin, joking, “At least I didn’t break it.” He even asked, “How many?” upon reaching 28 of the required 30 compressions, showing genuine curiosity in the process.
Beyond CPR, the king observed demonstrations of skills like clearing throat blockages and hygiene practices, critical components of the cadets’ training. His hands-on involvement was seen as a strong endorsement, particularly as nursing struggles to attract new talent across the UK.
The King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme requires participants to complete 40 hours of teaching and learning, plus 20 hours of clinical observation in healthcare settings. This blend of theory and practice has proven effective in preparing young people for the field.
Harrison Rigby’s milestone and nursing’s future
Harrison Rigby, a 16-year-old from Colchester, took center stage as he received his certificate from the king. He completed the program alongside his twin brother, Jefferson, who, due to order, was named the 999th cadet. Jefferson quipped, “I got the short straw.” Both aspire to become army doctors, with Harrison citing his placement in the cardiac ward at Basildon Hospital as a standout experience.
Since its launch in 2019 as a pilot in Wales, the program has grown to include select locations in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, reaching 1,156 participants. The royal visit not only celebrated this achievement but also relaunched the scheme under its new name, symbolizing Charles’s ongoing support.
Nicola Ranger, RCN’s general secretary and chief executive, called the king’s visit a major boost. She noted that Charles is well-versed in nursing’s challenges and sees the program as a way to draw more young people into the profession at a critical time.
How the King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme works
The King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme is designed to provide a practical and accessible entry into nursing. Young people aged 16 to 25 undergo training that blends theory with real-world healthcare exposure. The program includes:
- 40 hours of teaching and learning, covering topics like first aid and basic care.
- 20 hours of clinical observation, allowing cadets to shadow professionals in hospitals and clinics.
- Practical scenarios, like those shown to the king, to build essential skills.
Over 1,156 participants have completed the scheme, with 56% moving into health-related education or careers. Its success lies in its hands-on approach, offering a realistic and positive glimpse into nursing.
The program has evolved since its inception, expanding beyond Wales to other UK regions. The goal is continued growth to address the rising demand for nurses in a strained healthcare system.
Timeline of the program’s growth
The King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme has followed a clear path since its creation:
- 2019: Launched as the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme, focused on Wales.
- 2021: Expanded to select sites in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- March 2025: Recorded the 1000th cadet and rebranded as the King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme, celebrated with the king’s visit.
The next phase aims to broaden its reach, attracting more young people to fill healthcare gaps across the UK. Charles’s patronage is considered a key driver for this expansion.
Real impact on nursing perceptions
King Charles’s visit to the RCN was more than symbolic; it spotlighted the program’s tangible influence on shaping a new generation of nurses. A recent survey of former participants found that 88% viewed nursing positively or extremely positively after the training. This statistic is vital as the UK grapples with filling healthcare vacancies.
Charles also stressed the need for “extra people” in nursing, noting the long list of applicants eager to join the scheme. During the visit, he watched demonstrations of practical skills, like airway clearance techniques, and praised the cadets’ dedication.
For participants like Harrison Rigby, the clinical experience was transformative. He described his time in the cardiac ward as “amazing,” valuing the chance to observe doctors and nurses before and after surgeries.
Cadets inspire the king and the UK
Harrison Rigby and his peers embody the future of British nursing, and King Charles made a point to acknowledge this. Handing the certificate to the 1000th cadet, he expressed pride and hope for the program’s continued success. His interactions—laughing while practicing CPR and chatting with cadets about their journeys—painted a picture of an engaged and approachable monarch.
The program’s strength lies in linking theory with practice. The 20 hours of clinical observation give cadets a front-row seat to healthcare professionals’ daily work, while the 40 hours of teaching build a solid knowledge foundation.
With over half of its alumni pursuing health careers, the King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme stands as an effective bridge between youth and the workforce, particularly in a sector desperate for fresh talent.
