National Post (National Edition)
Royal couple visit front line workers
‘BEST OF COUNTRY’
LONDON • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked the National Health Service workers they say “represent the very best of our country”, as they made their first royal visit under new coronavirus protocols.
The Duke, who urged the public to follow official advice to reduce pressure on essential services, delivered personal thanks from the Queen and Prince of Wales to call handlers manning stretched 111 phone lines.
During their engagement, the first by any member of the Royal Family since government advice on COVID-19 tightened, the Cambridges used hand sanitizer, maintained social distancing and stopped their usual handshakes to avoid spreading the virus.
The Duke, 37, and his 38-year-old wife are the most senior members of the family able to work in public since advice was issued to the over-70s to remain at home as much as possible.
The 93-year-old Queen, who issued a message to the nation on Thursday, is with the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, at Windsor Castle. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall — aged 71 and 72 — are at their Highgrove home.
The Cambridges visited the London Ambulance Service 111 call centre in Croydon, about 14 kilometres south of London, on Thursday to hear how it’s handled a “phenomenal” volume of calls from the public.
Speaking afterwards, the Duke said: “The last few weeks, and more recent days, have been understandably concerning with the continuing spread of coronavirus.
“But it’s at times like this when we realize just how much the NHS represents the very best of our country and society.
“Not only are NHS staff and emergency workers responding to the needs of the public, they — like the rest of us — are concerned about their families, friends and loved ones. They need our support as much as we need theirs.”