Charles in salute to Scots heroes (and a heroine aged 90!)
Pride in the way people have met this great disruption with even greater determination
Charles’s heartfelt words
There could hardly be a better example of this indomitable spirit than your own magnificent efforts
He singles out Mrs Payne
PRINCE Charles yesterday praised the lockdown ‘community spirit’ of Scots as he wrote a heartfelt tribute to a pensioner raising money for the NHS.
The Prince also took the salute from a lone piper in honour of soldiers from the 51st Highland Division who fought at St Valery-enCaux, France, on June 12, 1940.
The regiment had been due to be rescued by a flotilla of ships but fog and the proximity of German artillery cut off the mercy mission. They had no option but to bravely take on the enemy, leading to 10,000 of them being captured.
Marking the moment yesterday, Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, said the division ‘displayed the greatest courage and tenacity’.
His tribute came on the same day his letter of praise was delivered to a 90year-old Scot who is climbing the equivalent of a mountain in her home.
Margaret Payne has pledged to scale the 2,398ft height of Suilven, which is near her home in Ardvar, Sutherland, by walking up her stairs 282 times.
The great-grandmother, who has passed the halfway point, has already raised more than £350,000 for the NHS, Highland Hospice and RNLI.
In the heartfelt message, delivered to Mrs Payne yesterday, Charles wrote: ‘My wife and I just wanted to add to what I suspect is a very large number of messages of support by saying how inspiring it has been to witness the huge success of your fundraising efforts.’
He also paid tribute to the nation’s frontline workers, while noting the immense challenges faced by Britons, including those who have lost loved ones.
He wrote: ‘Many have seen their lives changed beyond recognition, with families separated, employment lost and futures uncertain.
‘However, along with the enormous sympathy we feel for those who are suffering, we have also taken tremendous pride in the way people have met this great disruption with even greater determination.
‘The marvellous community spirit, for which Scotland is so renowned, has never been so much in evidence as people across our society have gone the extra mile, have put others first and have sacrificed their own comfort for the common good.’
Prince Charles said frontline staff had worked ‘tirelessly’, adding: ‘We owe them all the greatest possible gratitude.’
He told Mrs Payne: ‘There could hardly be a better example of this indomitable spirit than your own magnificent efforts in raising money for vital charities.
‘It is people like yourself who show that, for every hardship there has been a hero – or, of course, a heroine.’
Mrs Payne said: ‘It was very kind of him. I would like to say thank you.’ Her daughter Nicky McArthur added: ‘It was absolutely wonderful to receive this.’
The royal couple will return to London next week to meet France’s President Macron.