The Granting of Letters Patent Wednesday – 2 July 2025

On Wednesday 2 July 2025, The Worshipful Company of Nurses received the official granting of Letters Patent, marking a significant milestone in its history. The formal and very special ceremony was held in Mansion House attended by members of the Company and distinguished guests, including those who had helped the Company in its early days as a Guild. The ceremony was followed by a celebration lunch in the splendid surroundings of Guildhall attended by the Sheriffs, Aldermen, the Remembrancer, the City Chamberlain, the City Archivist, the Chief Commoner, the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court, fellow Masters and Clerks of the health Livery Companies and many members of the Company and their guests.

Letters Patent grant specific rights, privileges and titles. This is a prestigious legal instrument, validated with the Lord Mayor’s seal to signify the establishment of The Worshipful Company of Nurses as Livery Company number 111, with its core purposes of education, friendship and charitable giving.

Current Master, Hilary Andrews says of the occasion:

“Today is a red-letter day for the whole Company. The Company is indebted to the Court of Aldermen for recognising that there was scope within the City of London for a new Livery Company representing one of the oldest professions, and one of the ten largest professional workforces in the UK. Thanks are due to so many. It is the culmination of over nine years of enthusiasm, hard work and determination from our membership, our committees and the Court and led by the eight Company Founders who had the vision to make this work. This is an historic occasion for the Company and a significant landmark for nursing and nurses everywhere.”