The Prince of Wales, William, received high praise for his laboratory skills during a visit to the Francis Crick Institute in London, with the chief executive humorously suggesting there might be a job opening for him. The visit, which took place on Wednesday morning, saw the prince engage with brain researchers and A-level biology students ahead of the institute's upcoming 10-year anniversary celebrations later this year.
Hands-On Experience in the Lab
Upon arrival, William was greeted by enthusiastic crowds of staff gathered on the building's balconies, cheering his presence. Dressed in a white laboratory coat, he embarked on a tour of the institute's electron microscopy facility, a cutting-edge area dedicated to studying cells at the atomic level. During the tour, senior research scientist Dumisile Lumkwana and deputy lead Pippa Hawes demonstrated how to prepare a mouse kidney cell sample for microscopic observation.
As he carefully handled the sample, William lightened the mood with a joke, saying, "Please don't tell me this is like a really serious research project you're doing." He added with a chuckle, "I'm not responsible for messing this one up." Observing his technique, the institute's chief executive, Edith Heard, commended him, stating, "You're doing a great job," and quipped, "We're hiring." This playful exchange highlighted the prince's engagement with the scientific process.
Exploring Tuberculosis Research and Mental Health Studies
Later in the visit, William met with two scientists who use electron microscopy technology to investigate how tuberculosis bacteria (TB) evade the human body's defences and survive inside cells. TB claims millions of lives annually, making this research critical. When shown a zoomed-in sample on a screen, William remarked, "It looks like the moon to me," showcasing his curiosity and relatability.
Additionally, the prince heard from neuroscientists Katharina Schmack and Andreas Schaefer, who discussed their work on how the human body processes senses and smells, and the biological mechanisms underlying mental health conditions. This part of the visit underscored the institute's broad focus on understanding health and disease at a fundamental level.
Inspiring Future Scientists
William also interacted with a class of A-level biology students from the local William Ellis School, who were participating in a genetic engineering workshop. The students had been told a "VIP" would be visiting but only learned it was the Prince of Wales just before his arrival. This encounter aimed to bridge classroom learning with real-world laboratory applications, inspiring the next generation of scientists.
The Francis Crick Institute, founded in 2015, brings together 1,500 scientists and staff to study the biology of health and disease. Its achievements include identifying the genetic cause of inflammatory bowel disease and discovering links between air pollution and lung cancer in non-smokers. As he departed, William signed a guest book and received gift bags containing science books and a paperweight from Sir Paul Nurse, the institute's honorary life president and principal group leader.
This visit comes amid a turbulent time for the royal family, following the arrest of William's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. At the Bafta awards earlier in the week, William mentioned needing to be in a "calm state" to watch a film adaptation, hinting at the ongoing pressures. The Prince and Princess of Wales have supported the King's statement emphasizing that "the law must take its course" regarding the allegations.
