Queen pays tribute to ‘valued’ Red Cross on eve of 150th anniversary
THE QUEEN has led the Royal Family in paying tribute to the British Red Cross on the eve of its 150th anniversary, describing the charity’s work as “valued and greatly appreciated”.
Since 1870, the organisation has shown “just how powerful kindness can be”, according to the Prince of Wales, who added its efforts were “as essential today as it has ever been”.
And the Duchess of Cambridge remembered the thousands of staff and volunteers – including her great-grandmother and grandmother, both Red Cross nurses – who have “contributed tirelessly” to the charity’s work.
The British Red Cross celebrates its milestone today – 150 years to the day a resolution was passed at a public meeting in London to form an organisation “for aiding sick and wounded soldiers in time of war”.
Established just after the outbreak of war between France and Prussia, the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War would later be renamed the British Red Cross.
The Queen has served as its patron for almost 65 years and sent a message of congratulations to volunteers and staff.
She said: “Whether those involved in the society are assisting people to return home from hospital safely, offering care and support in the aftermath of a
Their contribution is recognised, valued and greatly appreciated.
The Queen, paying tribute to the British Red Cross.
disaster, volunteering in a shop, administering first aid or some of the many other activities the British Red Cross encompasses, their contribution is recognised, valued and greatly appreciated.”
Charles, the president of the Red Cross since 2003, has recorded a video to introduce a new online exhibition, 150 Voices. The virtual event showcases 150 objects from the charity’s collection, including a letter from Florence Nightingale and a food parcel distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent during the Syria crisis.