Princess Beatrice and Laura Tobin visit Borne’s pioneering research labs
London, UK – Monday 10 November 2025
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Patron of Borne and television presenter, meteorologist and new Borne Ambassador Laura Tobin visited the Borne research laboratories at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital today to learn more about the charity’s groundbreaking work to prevent premature birth. The visit shone a spotlight on the vital research taking place to understand why babies are born too soon, with premature birth being the leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide, and to accelerate progress towards safer pregnancies and healthier births.
The scale of the challenge:
- 60,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK every year – that’s 1 in 13 births.
- Globally, 15 million babies arrive too soon each year.
- Complications from prematurity remain the leading cause of neonatal death and lifelong disability.
- Yet, less than 2% of medical research funding is dedicated to pregnancy and childbirth.
During the tour, HRH Princess Beatrice and Laura Tobin met scientists and clinicians leading Borne’s research, including projects investigating the causes of preterm labour, the role of inflammation in pregnancy, and the development of new treatments to help prevent babies from being born too early.
Quotes
HRH Princess Beatrice, Patron of Borne, said:
“The work that Borne is undertaking is something that is incredibly close and personal to me following the early arrival of my second daughter. Today’s visit was not only insightful but has given me so much hope for pregnant mothers in the UK that this topic is being taken incredibly seriously. As a Patron of Borne, I am so grateful for the scientists and clinicians who took the time today to show me the advances they are making to reduce the risks to expectant mums and babies.”
Laura Tobin, broadcaster and meteorologist, said:
“As a parent who’s experienced the uncertainty of premature birth and how worrying it can be, today’s visit was deeply personal. The research happening here gives me real hope for the future, that one day, fewer families will have to face what ours did. The dedication of everyone at Borne to finding answers and preventing prematurity is truly inspiring.”
David Badcock, Chief Executive of Borne, said:
“We were honoured to welcome HRH Princess Beatrice and Laura Tobin to our labs today. Their support helps raise awareness of the urgent need for more research into prematurity; an area that has for too long been underfunded and underexplored. At Borne, we believe that every week counts, and by investing in science today, we can transform the outcomes for families tomorrow.
Marking World Prematurity Day
Today’s visit forms part of Borne’s wider campaign to mark World Prematurity Day (Monday 17 November), raising awareness that every week counts in the womb. The campaign continues with a special event hosted by HRH Princess Beatrice, and Borne Founder Professor Mark Johnson at Control Room B, Battersea Power Station, bringing together supporters, researchers, and families united by Borne’s mission to end premature birth.
