A Kent pharmacist met the Prince of Wales at a celebration of the pharmaceutical contribution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Amish Patel, from Hodgson Pharmacy, Longfield, met His Royal Highness at a special reception at St James’s Palace.

The event recognised the work of pharmacists across the UK, in the light of their contribution to the health of the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Patel was among nearly 200 pharmacists invited to the palace for the occasion.

He said: “It was great to meet the Prince of Wales in person and to hear his enthusiasm for the services we offer to the public.”

In a speech, The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the work of pharmacies on the NHS frontline.

He said: “You are a very familiar fixture in the nation’s high streets and neighbourhoods – something that people have come to rely on and value tremendously over generations.

"As well as providing prompt access to advice and treatment, of course the great thing is you are also a friendly and reassuring presence in our communities.

"A place where science, as it were, meets society. As I have said once before, pharmacies are about people and places, not just pills.”