Prince Charles’s praise for the ROYAL Mail...

THE Prince of Wales has sent a heartfelt thanks to Royal Mail staff for their

“vital role” in the pandemic.

Charles praised the “dedication, resilience and hard work” of all postal workers in a letter shared with the public today.

The Prince and Camilla said: “Today, as many people – ourselves included – are obliged to stay at home, Royal Mail plays an absolutely vital role in keeping family and friends in touch with one another.

“For that, we can only say how deeply grateful we are and send you our kindest wishes.”

The handwritten letter was left on a bench outside the royal couple’s front door at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire and collected lasttuesday by Neil Martin – a postman for 36 years – when he delivered their mail. The letter stressed postal workers had “never been more important”. Charles and Camilla said: “Receiving such a personal message at this difficult and anxious time can mean an enormous amount.”

The couple spent 14 days apart in isolation at Birkhall on the Queen’s Balmoral estate after Charles tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of March, having had mild symptoms.

They added: “We have heard wonderful stories of postmen and postwomen checking on older and vulnerable residents, raising funds for good causes, even wearing fancy dress costumes to raise a smile.”

The Royal Mail has launched athumbs Up Foryour Postie campaign in which people are urged to give them the “thumbs up” while respecting social distancing rules – and not be tempted to take letters and parcels from their postie, ensuring contact-free deliveries.