Our Trustees

Princess Maria of Romania, born into exile in Copenhagen, is the youngest among the royal sisters of Romania. She received her baptism in the Orthodox faith with Her Majesty Margareta, her sister, standing as her godmother. Embarking on a journey of education and exploration, Princess Maria found herself in Switzerland before making the United States her primary residence. It was there that she delved into the study of childcare, contributing significantly to the field. Her endeavours extended into the realm of public relations, where she lent her expertise to private enterprises in New York.

Transitioning her life to the enchanting landscapes of the State of New Mexico, Princess Maria engaged in private consulting, leaving her mark on various ventures. Over the years, she made poignant visits to her homeland and the heart of Bucharest, with one notable occasion being the Royal Family's collective presence in Romania during the Christmas of 1997—a historic moment marking their first reunion on Romanian soil.

Turning fifty in 2014, Princess Maria's milestone birthday prompted a grand celebration in Bucharest, graciously arranged by King Michael. On this significant occasion, she was bestowed with the Order of the Roman Crown and the Grand Cross by the Custodian of the Crown Margareta on behalf of King Michael I.

Following a heartfelt request from Her Majesty Margareta, Princess Maria made the decision to permanently relocate to Romania. Thus, in January 2015, she embarked on a new chapter of her life in Bucharest, immersing herself in a myriad of social, medical, educational, and civic initiatives. Princess Maria remains dedicated to contributing her efforts to projects aimed at enhancing the welfare and well-being of her beloved homeland and its people.

Anne-Marie Martin currently holds the position of Director Global Business Networks at the British Chambers of Commerce, a prominent entity representing businesses both in the UK and on a global scale. In this role, she spearheads the organisation's international trade programme and oversees the strategic development of its global network.

With a wealth of experience as a seasoned senior business professional, Anne-Marie has made significant contributions to various industries and sectors at executive levels throughout her extensive career. Notable among her previous roles is her tenure as the former CEO of the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe, followed by her founding leadership as CEO of the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce.

Anne-Marie's dedication and expertise have earned her recognition, including her status as a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. She has also been honoured with the prestigious King Mihai I of Romania Medal for Loyalty, in acknowledgment of her exceptional services in advancing business, social and cultural relations between Britain and Romania. Through her leadership and achievements, Anne-Marie Martin continues to make significant strides in fostering international business connections and promoting collaboration across borders.

I'm Margaret Gibbs, and I’ve spent my entire professional life as a pharmacist—mostly in hospitals and hospices, with a deep and enduring focus on end-of-life care. My passion for this field led me to pursue an MSc in Pain Management as a mature student, which was both a challenge and a privilege. I’ve always believed in learning from the people around me, and I’m immensely grateful for the knowledge and inspiration I’ve gained from colleagues and patients alike.

Over the years, I’ve held several roles that allowed me to shape and improve palliative pharmacy services. I was the first pharmacist at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, where I built systems from the ground up and worked closely with clinical teams to improve patient care. I later joined Ashtons Hospital Pharmacy Services, where I supported hospices across England—advising teams, developing policies, delivering training, and helping to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines.

More recently, I worked on a project at Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight, setting up an electronic prescribing system with colleagues I’ve known and trusted for years. Throughout my career, I’ve written for journals and textbooks, helped found a national association for palliative care pharmacists, and organised professional conferences to bring people together around best practice.

Alongside my professional work, I’ve volunteered with the Samaritans for over 35 years, including time as a Branch Director and Deputy Director for Caller Support—an experience that has profoundly shaped how I listen, support, and serve others.

In 2023, I was honoured to be nominated for a Fellowship of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society by colleagues whose respect I treasure deeply.

These days, I enjoy life’s quieter pleasures—gardening, crafts, cooking, music, theatre, and time with my two small grandchildren. I also do my best to stay active with yoga and a personal trainer.

As a trustee, I bring with me a lifetime of clinical experience, a deep commitment to compassionate care, and a belief in the power of kindness, listening, and learning.

Serial London based entrepreneur and Romanian community expert with over two decades of dedicated service to the Romanian diaspora in the UK. I have founded and led several impactful organizations—including Români în UK Media Group  and the Happy People Learning Centre, an innovative Independent Training Provider recognised for bringing innovation in training and assessment in the construction industry.

Throughout my career, I’ve used media, policy, business and public engagement to promote migrant rights, integration, and equal access to opportunity. I have also played advisory roles: as media consultant to the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce (2010–2012), and as a member of the Romanian Council for Romanians Abroad during its only mandate (2016–2019). I am a keen supporter of British charities working in Romania, such as Children in Distress and Hospices of Hope, and I supported Romanian Orthodox churches establish their charitable activities and social services in both England and Scotland.

Through a rare mixture of luck, hard work, resilience and access to great mentors, my advocacy and soul-journalism have been recognized in national media including The Guardian, The Times and the BBC in the UK and Romanian national media and press agencies.  Through high profile interviews, campaigns, and community initiatives, I promoted inclusion, education, and representation of Romanians in the UK and beyond.

Success is defined to me by what we build around us and by what we leave behind as a legacy. I always felt it is a sense of moral duty to develop and implement social responsibility initiatives in the Romanian community in the UK along the years. My commitment to civic engagement and diaspora empowerment is to actively support and engage in the history in the making of the Romanian diaspora in the UK, a unique story in itself given the growth of the diaspora in a fast-changing world. I remain a strong believer that the charitable sector can play a vital role by using its strengths and expertise in shaping and bettering the lives of second-generation Romanian migrants in the UK.