Kendal nurse chats to Prince at Buckingham Palace event

Zoe Butler, who won Student Nurse of the Year in 2017, was one of more than 350 frontline nurses invited to the reception with HRH Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles praised the 'unsung and unseen' hard work of Britain's nurses at the event.

Accompanied by the Countess of Wessex, he met more than 350 frontline nursing staff from across the country, including first responders to last year's terror attacks and Grenfell Tower fire.

Speaking to a roomful of nurses last Wednesday (March 14), the prince said: "Having spoken to a few of you here this evening, I have been astounded by some of the stories I have heard, particularly from individuals responding to harrowing incidents."

The prince - who will share his 70th birthday this year with the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service - used the evening to recount one of his first hospital memories.

He said: "I was rushed to Great Ormond Street with a rapidly expanding appendix. I have never forgotten how wonderful I was looked after by the nurses there.

"In fact, when I went to go back home to Windsor Castle, I didn't want to leave."

And talking to Zoe, who has been recognised for her work raising awareness of mental health, he brought up the issue of how fewer people are choosing to enter the profession.

Ms Butler said: "He brought up the issue of the recruitment crisis.

"It is really nice they are bringing the younger generation into the event tonight, especially with the recruitment issues nursing is facing."

Ms Butler, who is actively seeking new ways to encourage young people to enter the profession, added: "It is humbling to be here - and quite bizarre. I have only been a nurse for six months, so to be asked to come to the palace was amazing."

Sue Smith, executive chief nurse for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) and Lauren Mawson, principal lecturer from the University of Cumbria also attended the event.