Frederick, Duke of York (1763-1827) - Medical Patron

Frederick, Duke of York, was the hardest working prince of his day. He was Commander-in-Chief of the British Army for almost the entire period of the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars and he used his position to implement important reforms to benefit the health of troops. He encouraged hygiene initiatives and improved medical treatment, steadily seeking to enhance the quality of medical officers and facilities. Frederick was particularly involved in the spread of vaccination, authorising the very earliest clinical trials of the process and doing all he could to promote the practice. He also played an active role in the fight to prevent and treat the ophthalmia that was decimating the British Army. As the favourite son of George III and ultimately his carer, he developed an interest in mental health and he sponsored the pioneering work of Alexander Morison (1779-1866) to expand understanding of the subject. Although not a medical man himself, Frederick was one of the most important patrons of the day and his efforts were the key to enabling others to make important advances that saved thousands of lives.