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Ronald McDonald House Oxford staff and volunteers were ‘delighted’ to welcome Her Royal Highness on Wednesday.
The Oxford House is one of 14 operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, an independent organisation providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation and support for families of children in hospital.
The houses keep families together, close to their children in hospital and provide a place to sleep, cook, and retain some sense of normal life.
The Duchess was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM, before joining the charity’s chief executive, Ella Joseph, for a tour of the 62-bedroom House.
Her Royal Highness met a number of families who have been supported by the organisation, including mum Jodie Keeley and her partner Lyde Darien, from Northampton.
Ms Keeley gave birth to naturally conceived quadruplets on May 22 at just 25 weeks.
She and Lyde spent 17 week in the Oxford House while their three daughters Xyliana, Xyla, Xylia, and their son Xyri, were treated on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The ‘miracle’ babies’ weights ranged from a tiny 490 grams to 710 grams.
Ms Keeley said: “The Oxford House was an absolute godsend for us as a family.
“Our drive from home to the hospital is one hour and 10 minutes, usually longer in traffic. The thought of leaving the babies and being far away from them, especially in those early days, was just unbearable.
“We’ll be forever grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK for enabling us to stay close and be together as a family.
“Coming back today to meet The Duchess of Edinburgh is really special, and I feel immensely proud to have introduced her to our amazing babies, who’re now doing so well after such a difficult start.”
The Royal visit concluded with The Duchess meeting key charity supporters in the Day Room, followed by a commemorative plaque unveiling to mark the occasion.
Her Royal Highness was presented with a posy of flowers by 14-year-old Philip Artemiev, from Buckinghamshire. Philip’s family stayed at the old Ronald McDonald House Oxford seven years ago, when he was being treated on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), having been attacked by a horse.
Ella Joseph, CEO at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: “We were deeply honoured and privileged to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh and to introduce her to some of the incredible families we’ve accommodated and supported since our new Oxford House opened five years ago.
“Following several years of planning, fundraising, and building, the house opened in April 2020, coinciding with the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
“Today has been a long-awaited opportunity to officially launch our beautiful new house, and now we also get to celebrate the positive impact it’s had on families over the past five years.
“The Duchess’ visit has really helped to shine a light on the supporters and volunteers, whose generosity and commitment make our vital work possible.”
