Prince William visits Francis Crick

Prince William visited the Francis Crick Institute in London to meet scientists, clinicians and students as the centre marks a decade of biomedical research. Dressed in a white lab coat and protective eyewear, he toured laboratories, observed live experiments and tried equipment including a microscope, speaking with early-career researchers about their projects on cancer, infectious diseases and genetic medicine.

Institute staff briefed him on collaborative efforts to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical treatments, with particular focus on improving early diagnosis and developing personalized therapies. Researchers highlighted work in cellular imaging, genome analysis and other cutting-edge techniques that aim to speed the route from bench to bedside. The role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in accelerating data analysis and discovery also featured in discussions.

The visit underscored wider themes that the prince has supported publicly—health, mental well-being and environmental sustainability—and offered an opportunity to spotlight the UK’s strengths in life sciences. Officials used the engagement to stress the need for continued funding, international cooperation and strong research infrastructure to sustain breakthroughs and maintain competitiveness in global biomedical research.

Staff described the day as a chance to demonstrate how interdisciplinary teams at the Crick bring together molecular biology, clinical science and computational expertise to tackle complex health problems. William met researchers working at different career stages and heard directly about the challenges they face, from securing long-term funding to translating experimental results into safe, effective patient treatments.

The Francis Crick Institute, one of Europe’s largest centres for biomedical research, brings together scientists across disciplines under one roof near central London transport hubs. By entering active lab spaces, testing instruments and engaging with scientists, William highlighted public recognition for scientific endeavour and the societal value of sustained investment in research.

While the engagement was largely symbolic, it reinforced practical priorities voiced by researchers: strengthen translational pipelines, support early-career scientists, bolster partnerships between academia and the health system, and responsibly adopt new technologies such as AI to maximise patient benefit. The visit concluded with the prince thanking staff for their contributions to public health and acknowledging the long-term impact of scientific discovery on medical care both in the UK and internationally.