Royal couple are courtesy callers on the NHS front line
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked the NHS 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 sanitiser, 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 yesterday issued a message to the nation, 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 on Thursday to hear firsthand of the “phenomenal” volume of calls from the public as the 999 service had the busiest three days in its history.
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 realise just how much the NHS represents the very best of our country and society – people from all backgrounds and walks of life with different experiences and skills, pulling together for the common good.
“Not only are NHS staff and emergency workers responding to the needs
‘It’s at times like this when we realise just how much the NHS represents the very best of our country and our society’
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.
“That is why Catherine and I were proud to visit staff working at NHS 111, to pass on our personal thanks, along with those of my grandmother and father, to staff working around the clock.
“It was also brilliant to see the great online tools for those with mild symptoms or worries.
“All of us have a part to play if we’re going to protect the most vulnerable.
“That means acting on the latest expert advice, staying home if we or those we live with have symptoms, and avoiding non-essential contact to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
The couple were seen to use hand sanitiser twice during the visit. Future engagements may take place via video conferencing to further safeguard members of the public.
Those they spoke to were careful to position themselves a safe “social distance” apart, with the Duke hastily reminding one member of staff who excitedly offered them her hand.
Raising concerns about people without internet access when current advice is focused on the 111 website, the Duke asked: “A lot of people will want to help. Is there any way that the public can do their bit to help you guys out?”
He added: “A lot of work is closing down elsewhere so people are going to want to come and volunteer. People want to help, people want to be there to support you guys, and everyone knows what a fantastic job you guys are doing.”
Garrett Emmerson, chief executive of the London Ambulance Service, said they are “actively looking into” it, saying they were receiving about four times the normal number of calls.
♦ The national commemoration events to mark VE Day 75 on May 8 will be scaled back due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus, the Government announced last night. Revised plans on how the nation can mark the occasion will be made public in due course.