A Special Event with a Royal Touch

Friday 14th of December will not be forgotten for a long time by those in and around Jerusalem. And certainly not by the staff and patients at St John Eye Hospital.

2007 marked the 125th Anniversary of the Hospital’s mission – to preserve the gift of sight for the marginalised communities. The special year was completed with a Royal visit when TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester came to Jerusalem.

“I have always thought of the work of the Eye Hospital as reflecting the values of the Order, and as relevant now as at the inception of the hospital 125 years ago. My recent visit to Jerusalem has reinforced that view, and I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism of all those working for the hospital under difficult circumstances” – HRH, The Duke of Gloucester

Joining the St John family - and a congregation of over 300 people - the Royal party attended the annual Carol Service held at St George’s Cathedral.

Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester, officially re-opened our newly refurbished Children and Female Ward unveiling a plaque to commemorate the visit. The plaque also acknowledges the Priory of the United States of America, whose grant made the renovation possible. Despite a full schedule in Jerusalem, the Grand Prior of the Order, the Duke of Gloucester, was able to travel to both the Muristan (site of the original Hospital) and to St John’s Anabta clinic.

The Royal visit was a fantastic success and greatly revived the spirit of St John’s Jerusalem staff. Excited patients, who happened to be in the Hospital’s wards, also had the wonderful honour and opportunity to meet the Royal guests