CrossReach carer reflects on experience meeting The King at Windsor Castle
20 February 2026
A nightshift carer said it was a “huge honour” to meet The King and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle.
Susan Middleton has been a nightshift carer at The Bungalow, a purpose-built care home in Stonehaven for adults with learning disabilities, for more than 18 years.
She was the recipient of our employee of the year award for adult care in 2025 and was invited for a visit to Windsor Castle to meet members of the Royal Family.
The reception, which highlighted the work of millions of paid and unpaid carers, was hosted by their Majesties The King and The Queen, accompanied by The Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The Prime Minister and Lady Starmer also attended.
Speaking about the event Susan told us: “It was a huge honour to go and represent CrossReach, I couldn’t believe it.
“I was absolutely blown away when I heard about the invite. I love what I do and I never saw it as something I needed to be recognised for.”
The 54-year-old from Aberdeen admitted she had been very nervous ahead of the event but was surprised by how down-to-earth everyone was.
She said: “It was magical. Everyone was so kind and I couldn’t believe how gracious they all were.”
Susan got the chance to meet with King Charles who she said asked her about her role and thanked her for her work.
She also met with The Queen, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
But she said the highlight of the evening was meeting with The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester whom she said spoke with her in great detail about her role.
Reflecting on the experience, Susan said: “The whole thing has been wonderful. My husband was in the RAF so I have visited the castle before as a tourist, but to go inside and see these more private areas was amazing.
“Working at The Bungalow doesn’t feel like work at all. It is challenging at times but I love working there and getting to know all the service users.
“I was blown away when I won the employee award, and this just tops it too. The Bungalow is like a family, it’s a beautiful unit with amazing people. I feel privileged to even work there.”
In an address to guests, His Majesty King Charles recognised the huge contribution carers make, saying: “I have been moved, time and again, by the resilience of those who give so much of themselves while asking for so little in return.
“So, to those who provide care, whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning, please know that the great love you show in small ways every day is an example and an inspiration to us all.
“It is our duty, in return, to ensure it is never taken for granted nor forgotten.”
Doreen Hall, service manager at The Bungalow, expressed her pride in Susan and highlighted her incredible work making the garden space at The Bungalow look beautiful.
She said: "Susan has always been interested in growing flowers.
"As we have a big garden area here at The Bungalow, she saw the potential in bringing in plants and garden ornaments, filling the ground with different scents and colours.
"Susan takes great pride in ensuring that the plants are well watered and looking their best. Even when she is on holiday she leaves strict instruction that the flowers have to be fed and watered.
"Susan's work doesn't stop with the garden, she is also very keen to be part of the team that take our service users on adventure holiday's near Aviemore."
