Leading research nurse meets with His Majesty, King Charles III

A leading research nurse from south Wales was among a delegation of nurses from across the UK to be invited to a special reception hosted by His Majesty, King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace this week.

Regina Reyes, Clinical Research Nurse Specialist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, told how she “wore red for research” and greeted the King in Welsh at the event, which honoured the dedicated efforts of internationally educated nurses and midwives throughout the decades.

Regina said: “There were four of us invited, and I was nominated to represent Wales along with our Chief Nursing Officer, Sue Tranka. 

“There was a small audience chosen to meet the King; before he arrived we were briefed and Sue introduced him to us.  I wore a Filipiniana dress, because it gives the Filipino women a strong sense of identity; my Welsh brooch, and a fascinator hat. I felt proud of my heritage and culture - even being part of a diverse and globally integrated workforce, Research gives me a seat at the table.

“The King and I had a little conversation and he said the country needed more nurses like me - I was a bit starstruck!  While I was at the event I spoke with a number of other people and gave out the message that clinical research is happening here in Wales.

“It was a beautiful evening to remember and I am thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to meet the King and represent our fellow Internationally Educated Nurses.”