Gilliat , Sir , William , 1884-1956 , Knight , gynaecologist

William Gilliatt (1884-1956), KCVO, MD, MS, FRCP(Lond), Hon MMSA, was the son of a pharmacist. He graduated from the Middlesex Hospital in 1908 and held various posts there. In 1916 he was appointed assistant obstetric and gynaecological surgeon at King's College Hospital, becoming full surgeon in 1925. He remained at King's until his retirement in 1946. He also held the posts of obstetric surgeon to Queen Charlotte's Hospital and consulting surgeon to Bromley Cottage Hospital, the Maudsley Hospital and St Saviour's Hospital. He served for more than 20 years as gynaecologist to the Royal Family, attending the births of Prince Charles and Princess Anne. As a result of his relationship with the Royal family, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother accepted the office of patron of the College and the Honorary Fellowship. He was married with one daughter, and was knighted in 1948. He was killed in a car accident on 27 September 1956.

Gilliatt was a foundation fellow of the RCOG, and served on the Council from 1932 until his death. He was Honorary Secretary from 1942-1945 and became President in 1946 (bibliography: Sir John Peel, Lives of the Fellows, pp 169-172).