HRH The Duke of Edinburgh welcomes guests to Buckingham Palace as charity patron

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed around 100 guests to a royal reception at Buckingham Palace in aid of Action Medical Research.

Prince Philip, who celebrated 60 years as patron of the UK-wide children's charity in 2015, hosted celebrity ambassadors Davina McCall and Dr Dawn Harper in the palace's picture gallery on Wednesday, 4 May, along with medical professionals, scientists and business leaders.

Professor David Edwards, a member of Action Medical Research's Scientific Advisory Panel, spoke about the importance of medical research and the charity's work to save and change the lives of sick and disabled babies and children.

There was also the chance for guests to learn about research projects currently being funded by the charity, including a study by Professor Mark Johnson of Imperial College London into delaying early labour.

Action Medical Research is currently funding research into premature birth, meningitis, Down syndrome and epilepsy, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children. For more details on the UK-wide children's charity, please visit action.org.uk