The College of Paramedics is proud to share the news that we have been granted permission to use the title ‘Royal’. The College will officially be known as the Royal College of Paramedics from January 2026 after constitutional changes and rebranding have taken place.
This extraordinary accolade recognises the collective efforts of many individual members and the valuable contribution paramedics make every single day to the UK’s healthcare service.
With over 20,000 members, the College of Paramedics is the professional body for all paramedics in the UK: representing their collective voice, shaping the future of the profession and influencing system-wide healthcare delivery at every level.
Since 2000, the role of a paramedic has evolved dramatically, and today, these skilled clinicians are expected to manage a broad range of conditions in the out-of-hospital environment. Paramedics work in a variety of settings including GP surgeries, offshore, higher education, helicopter emergency medical services and the military to name but a few. Whether it’s a role in clinical practice, leadership and management, education or research, the possibilities for a paramedic to develop their full potential have never been greater as the profession continues to grow and develop.
In 2024, the College of Paramedics was awarded the Royal Charter in recognition of its objectives to inspire and enable all paramedics to participate in the profession within an environment based on safety, collegiality, inclusiveness, mental and physical wellbeing and innovation.
The following year, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales became the College’s first Royal Patron.
Permission to use the Royal title is granted by The King, acting on the advice of his Ministers. The protected Royal titles are conferred sparingly and, is only given to those applicants which satisfy several strict conditions.
Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, Tracy Nicholls OBE said: “This historic recognition marks a defining milestone in the life of the College. It is a tribute to the generations of professionals whose commitment, skill, and service have shaped our profession, and it affirms the vital contribution that our members continue to make to society today. This honour also reflects many member surveys where the voice of our members has been evident in the desire to become a Royal College.
“To be entrusted with this distinction is both a privilege and a responsibility. The title Royal not only elevates the standing of our profession, but it also strengthens our voice, enhances our influence, and reinforces our mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and service. It is a legacy we will pass proudly to the generations of paramedics who follow.
“On behalf of the entire membership, I extend our sincere thanks to the Cabinet Office for recognising the value of the paramedic profession in this exceptional way. Most importantly, I wish to thank you, our members, whose dedication has made this moment possible. This honour belongs to each of you, and together we will ensure that we carry it forward with the significance it deserves.
“I believe this is a moment of celebration for our profession and for all those patients we care for in their times of need.”
Jon Price, President of the College of Paramedics said: “It is with immense pride and deep humility that we have been offered the great honour of a change in title with the conferral of ‘Royal’ by His Majesty the King. This historic moment represents far more than a change in name - it signifies the growing recognition of the extraordinary contribution that paramedics make to society. It is a milestone that belongs not only to us today, but to every paramedic who has gone before us and to the future generations still to come.
“This recognition stands as a lasting testament to the courage, compassion, and professionalism that have always defined our profession. It reaffirms the vital role paramedics play in the lives of the people we care for and strengthens our collective commitment to continually advance the highest standards of care. In being offered this honour, we are reminded that the story of our profession is one of service, dedication, and progress — and this moment will echo throughout its history.”