A speech by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay at the opening of Breakthrough Research Centre at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

Ladies and Gentlemen, before I unveil this plaque I just wanted to say that having probably successfully interrupted the incredibly important work that’s going on in the building, I was so interested to see what the research staff are doing. My problem always, on these occasions, is that there’s never enough time to be able to ask all the incredibly stupid questions I want to about the incredibly complex things that the researchers are studying.

I was particularly interested in terms of the way that this unit here is complementing what is going on in London with Breakthrough’s research unit there, which I remember opening some years ago with its Generational Study. This particular research unit clearly is going to make an enormous difference – as Mr. Mike Dixon was doing his best to explain to me – in terms of removing unnecessary treatment and making a real difference, at the end of the day, to so many patients who have to go through these treatments. Many which we know have side effects one way or another.

So I do pray that this particular research will lead to something really of benefit to certain individuals, but also is then able to apply stress management and various other more complementary approaches so that everybody is treated according to their own particular needs because we are all individuals. That, I think, is the great thing I have picked up here that is beginning to be understood and developed.

So I just wanted to use this opportunity more than anything else to congratulate all those incredibly well-organized and clever people for the work they are doing. And, indeed, all the clinical staff and the nurses who I know spend so much time, dedication and devotion as far as their patients are concerned. I wish all those who are doing so much valuable work here every possible success in the future.

So… nothing can give me greater pleasure than to unveil this plaque and open this research unit for Breakthrough.