From the Queen to Putin, world sends its support
A wAve of well wishes came in from around the world yesterday as Boris Johnson lay in intensive care.
In Britain, everyone from the Queen to front-line NHS workers offered their hopes and prayers for the Prime Minister’s recovery. The message ‘Pray for Boris’ was shared across social media and appeared on signs outside houses.
Political leaders put aside their differences to stand united in support of Mr Johnson. Here are just some of the messages of support:
ROYAL REACTION
Queen
She sent a message to Carrie Symonds and to the Johnson family saying they were in her thoughts and that she wished the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery.
Prince William
‘Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family, who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus. we wish him a speedy recovery.’
Duke and Duchess of Cornwall
The couple sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Prime Minister yesterday morning.
WORLD POLITICIANS
Donald Trump, US President
‘I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Americans are all praying for his recovery.’ Vladimir Putin, Russian president ‘I am sure that your energy, optimism and sense of humour will help to defeat the disease. I sincerely wish you a speedy and complete recovery.’
Emmanuel Macron, French president
‘All my support for Boris Johnson, his family and the British people at this difficult time.’
Angela Merkel, German Chancellor
‘Chancellor Merkel wishes Boris Johnson much strength and a speedy recovery and hopes that he can leave hospital soon.’
DOMESTIC POLITICIANS
Gordon Brown, former PM
‘Obviously I’m as worried about the Prime Minister as everybody is. I hope his recovery will be swift and I hope he’ll get back to full health.’
Keir Starmer, Labour leader
‘Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.’
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor
‘My thoughts tonight are with Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds. I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger.’
David Cameron, former PM
‘Thinking of Boris Johnson and his family tonight. Get well soon.
You are in great hands and we all want you safe, well and back in 10 Downing Street.’
Theresa May, former PM
‘My thoughts and prayers are with Boris Johnson and his family as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.’
RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
‘I invite all people of faith to join me in praying for Boris Johnson and his loved ones.’
Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi
‘May Almighty God bless our Prime Minister as he battles against Covid-19 in hospital.’
Harun Khan, Muslim Council of Britain
‘My thoughts are with him and his loved ones.’
CELEBRITIES
J.K. Rowling, author
‘Terrible news about the PM. wishing him a speedy recovery and thinking of his poor family. Yet more evidence that this horrible virus doesn’t discriminate.’
Hugh Grant, actor
‘I haven’t been his greatest supporter but very much rooting for the PM tonight.’
Joan Collins, actress
‘ wishing Boris Johnson a speedy recovery – get well soon.’
NHS STAFF
Staff on the Nason ward at George eliot Hospital in Nuneaton held up signs reading ‘get well soon Boris’. At Solihull Hospital near Birmingham, staff urged the PM to ‘get well soon’ in a photograph posted to Twitter. Staff on the ICU at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth held up signs individually in photographs which were later compiled to read ‘get well soon, Boris, you can beat this.’