Royal tribute to Red Cross on 150 years of valued service
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” said the Prince of Wales.
The Duchess of Cambridge remembered the thousands of staff and volunteers – including her great-grandmother and grandmother – who have “contributed tirelessly” to the charity’s work.
The British National Society for Aid to the Sick andWounded inWar was founded in London 150 years ago today. It would later be renamed the British Red Cross.
The Queen, whose aunt Mary nursed during the First World War, has served as the charity’s patron for almost 65 years and has sent a message of congratulations to volunteers and staff to thank them for their dedicated work at home and abroad.
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 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, who has been president of the Red Cross since 2003, has recorded a video to introduce an online exhibition – 150Voices – as part of the anniversary.
The virtual event showcases 150 objects from the British Red Cross museum and archives. It includes a letter from Florence Nightingale, a First World War ambulance driver’s cap and a food parcel distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Charles said: “The work of the Red Cross is as essential today as it has ever been, helping those in need both in the United Kingdom and around the world.”
As part of the celebrations, Kate has written a letter to 150 outstanding Red Cross staff and volunteers who have received a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint. She described how her greatgrandmother Olive Middleton volunteered as a Red Cross nurse during the First World War while her grandmother Valerie Middleton performed the same role during the Second World War.
Kate wrote: “Like you and many others, they are both part of the rich history of the British Red Cross, which is helping to ensure many people get the support they need during a crisis.”