An evening at Windsor Castle: A Celebration of Carers

Health and Social Care Senior Lecturer, Leanne Leverton, received a royal invitation to an event at Windsor Castle – purposed to celebrate individuals’ contributions to the health and social landscape. 

Leanne shared how she received the news: “I received an email that stopped me in my tracks. It read - with your lived experience, ongoing work and advocacy for unpaid carers, we would like to nominate you to attend an event at Windsor Castle. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves.”

A short time later, Leanne received the official invitation from the Master of the Household, confirming that Their Majesties the King and Queen would be hosting a Reception at Windsor Castle. 

Leanne has been a carer for 20 years and has spent the past seven years working with students and staff to develop a Carers Task and Finish Group – speaking with carers across different communities, giving her the courage to write about her experiences and help make caring more visible. Last November, Leanne wrote for the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing blog for Carers Rights Day, which opened doors she never imagined! 

Leanne continued: “As a Queen’s Nurse since 2016, I have always strived to make a difference within the community. In my role as a senior lecturer, I have the opportunity to influence the next generation of health and social care professionals, ensuring they receive carers’ awareness training and understand the impact carers have across the sector.”

On the evening of the event, Leanne arrived at Windsor Castle with her fellow Queen’s Nurses. The castle was a sight to behold, from the grand hall and the bright red carpet to the coats of arms lining the walls, it was truly a regal setting.

Before the formalities began, the guests had time to meet other carers, charities, and professionals – with conversations reinforcing how diverse, passionate, and dedicated the caring community is. 

Leanne shared: “I had the honour of meeting the Queen face to face. When she noticed my Queen’s Nurse brooch and commented on it, it felt like an invitation to share the work happening in the community. Knowing she is the Patron of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing made the moment even more special.

“Then, beyond anything I had imagined, I was able to meet the King. He too shook my hand and asked thoughtful questions that showed a genuine investment in carers and their experiences.

“For someone who has navigated the challenges of caring, often feeling invisible or unheard, this event was profoundly validating. Their Majesties made me feel seen, valued, and proud in a way I will carry with me forever.

“The evening at Windsor Castle is one I will never forget. It celebrated not just me, but carers everywhere, whose contributions often go unnoticed, yet whose impact is felt deeply across our communities.”

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