Stories of Medics and Medicine in the Royal Collection
The Royal Collection contains fascinating objects and paintings that illustrate the changing perception and use of medicine over time
Gold nurse's badge
c. 1934RCIN 71225
The origins of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Institute for Nurses date back to 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It was established to provide funding for the training and support of district nurses. Queen Mary was closely involved in its activities and was presented with this gold badge in 1934. It is inscribed with the name of the Institute and features the crowned VIR monogram of Queen Victoria.
Since the Institute’s formation in 1887 it has maintained royal patronage. Now known as The Queen’s Nursing Institute it is the oldest professional nursing organisation in the United Kingdom and HM Queen Elizabeth II is the current patron.