ONE’S RALLYING CRY
William’s appeal to the nation to back charity as Queen heads for safety of Windsor
PRINCE William has launched an appeal to help those suffering hardship in the coronavirus crisis, saying: ‘The people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together.’
He highlighted the new campaign by the National Emergencies Trust (NET) in a video clip filmed yesterday, as his grandmother, the Queen, prepares to move to Windsor for the duration of the outbreak.
William said: ‘The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature. The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way – which is why the establishment of NET was so important.
‘I said at its launch last year that I dreaded the day when it would be needed. Sadly, with the outbreak of Covid-19, that day has come faster than any of us would have hoped.
‘But now, more than ever, I am grateful that the NET exists. It will ensure that support reaches those across the UK who need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible. And it will help to ensure that all our efforts to overcome this challenge are channelled in the best possible way.’
It is the first time a member of the Royal Family has spoken about Covid19. Although many European royals have addressed their countries, nothing as been heard from the Queen directly yet. Yesterday she held her last audiences at Buckingham Palace before leaving for Windsor today.
Dressed in a bright royal blue dress, she smiled and appeared in good health as she greeted Captain Angus Essenhigh, new commanding officer of the Rosyth-built Royal Navy warship Queen Elizabeth, and his predecessor.
There were no handshakes and the Queen did not wear gloves. She did not have her usual weekly audience with the Prime Minister, speaking to Boris Johnson by phone instead at the request of Downing Street. From now, she will have weekly calls – and possibly video conferences – with him.
All her public engagements, including the Maundy Service and May garden parties, have been cancelled.
NET’s appeal has been launched with the support of media, business and governmental organisations, in partnership with the British Red Cross, which will be managing donations.
The trust will award grants to ensure the funds, distributed by charities, reach those who need it most across the UK. NET chairman Lord Dannatt, said: ‘The outbreak of coronavirus is clearly both a global and national emergency. Many people are suffering, not just from ill health but also from the economic impact as well as the effects of social distancing and isolation.
‘While there is much that Government can do and is doing, there is also a strong desire of the public to help others and there are local grassroots organisations that can provide vital support to people who need it.
‘We will channel the money raised to those organisations so people who need it can get support as quickly as possible. These are tough and uncertain times and we’re only asking those who can really afford to give to our appeal to do so.’
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: ‘As a Government, we are working closely with the charity sector, which is already playing a crucial role in the nation’s response.’
Donations can be made at www. nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk or online through Just Giving, Go Fund Me, Virgin Money Gives, Good Launch and Muslim Giving.
‘Strong desire of the public to help’