William salutes British ‘ability to pull together’ in charity video

THE Duke of Cambridge is supporting an emergency appeal to help those suffering in the coronavirus crisis, saying the British people’s outstanding “ability to pull together” must be channelled to where it can help most.

The Duke, who recorded a video message to share details of the appeal, said the response of the public had already shown “the very best of our values and human nature”.

Supporting a National Emergencies Fund appeal for local charities, he shared his hopes that the right support would reach the places that “need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible”. He said: “Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people have a unique ability to pull together. 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 National Emergencies Trust 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 I am grateful that [it] exists.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meanwhile, announced they are to selfpublish “information and resources” to guide the world through the crisis as they “lift all of us up” through their “digital neighbourhood that feels safe”.

The Sussexes, who have been staying on Vancouver Island since leaving the Royal family, said on their Instagram page they hoped to make the public feel “less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary”.