Recovering prince hails health workers

The Prince of Wales has praised the “remarkable NHS” as its staff “battle heroically to save lives”.

The Duke of Rothesay, as he is known when in Scotland, made his first appearance since coming out of selfisolation following his Covid-19 diagnosis, to record the video message in support of the charity Age UK, which he represents as patron.

The heir to the throne also spoke about the nation’s shared experience of living with the virus, saying it was a “strange, frustrating and often distressing experience” when people were separated from loved ones.

In his video message, posted on royal websites and social media, Prince Charles said: “As a nation, we are faced by a profoundly challenging situation, which we are only too aware threatens the livelihoods, businesses and welfare of millions of our fellow citizens.

“None of us can say when this will end, but end it will. Until it does, let us all try and live with hope and, with faith in ourselves and each other, look forward to better times to come.”

The footage was recorded on Tuesday morning by staff at Birkhall, the duke’s home in Scotland.

Charles went on to say: “At a time when doctors, nurses and all the vital ancillary staff that form the backbone of our remarkable NHS are increasingly under such enormous strain... our thoughts and prayers are very much with those marvellous people whose extraordinary skills and utter, selfless devotion to duty and the care of their patients make us so very proud.”

On Monday, Clarence House announced the 71-year-old duke, who developed mild symptoms of Covid-19 over the weekend of March 21-22, had completed his period of isolation at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire.

The duchess, 72, tested negative for the virus and remains in self-isolation until the end of the week, observing the advice to separate for 14 days.

The duke spoke about his own diagnosis for the virus: “Having recently gone through the process of contracting this coronavirus – luckily with relatively mild symptoms – I now find myself on the other side of the illness, but still in no less a state of social distance and general isolation.

“As we are all learning, this is a strange, frustrating and often distressing experience when the presence of family and friends is no longer possible and the normal structures of life are suddenly removed.

“At such an unprecedented and anxious time in all our lives, my wife and I are thinking particularly of all those who have lost their loved ones in such very difficult and abnormal circumstances and of those

“None of us can say when this will end, but end it will”

having to endure sickness, isolation and loneliness.”

Charles delivered his message sat at the desk where he carried on working during his self-isolation, conducting meetings by phone with organisations and charities he supports.

The duke highlighted individuals in society worthy of praise from “toiling” shop workers keeping supermarket shelves stocked, whom he described as a “further ‘emergency service”’, to volunteers who have signed up to help the NHS.

He added: “We also know that in every community up and down this land there are truly wonderful neighbours, individuals and groups of volunteers who are providing ceaseless care and attention to those most at risk.”