The Duchess of Edinburgh has been named the new Royal Patron of Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The Duke and Duchess visited both Stoke Mandeville Hospital and its stadium in Aylesbury on November 14, as part of the hospital’s celebration of having its world-leading National Spinal Injuries Centre for 80 years.

They visited the centre where they met with patients and spoke to members of staff, before heading up the road to the stadium, which was used at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

The announcement came as part of a Royal Visit to WheelPower at Stoke Mandeville Stadium by the Royals, where there was an opportunity to see the work of the charity, founded in 1972 by the father of the Paralympics, the late Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann.

WheelPower supports disabled people to play and enjoy sports and works across the UK to transform the lives of disabled children and adults through movement, activity and sport.

Rosie Vestey, President of WheelPower made the announcement said: “WheelPower are delighted that Her Royal Highness has agreed to become our Royal Patron and we are excited to work with Her Royal Highness to promote our work and increase the number of disabled people we can support in the future. 

“Disabled people are 50 per cent less likely than non-disabled people to be active and so our work is vital to encourage young and newly disabled people to find a sport they can enjoy as part of an active life.”

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh said: “It’s a huge honour for me to take on this Patronage.

“I really am delighted.

“I look forward to working with you in the future to make disability sport more visible and more accessible so that many more people can experience the genuine benefits that it gives”

Rob Wilson, Chairman of WheelPower stated: “We are immensely grateful to our former Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III for the important contribution he made during his time as Prince of Wales.

“His Majesty is now handing the reins over to HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, and we are thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness to the charity and look forward to working with her in the future.”