The Queen, Prince Charles and the Cambridges unite over rare video call to pay tribute to nurses

Publish Date
Thursday, 14 May 2020, 2:55PM

In a royal first, the Queen has broken new ground at the age of 94 as she led her family in a Zoom call to thank nurses for their "very important" work around the world, in celebration of International Nurses Day.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra all united over the video call from their respective homes to pay tribute to nurses in seven Commonwealth countries.

While Her Majesty chose not to appear in the video, her voice can be heard in the broadcast greeting Professor Kathleen McCourt, the president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation.

"This is rather an important day," she can be heard saying. "They [nurses] have obviously had a very important part to play recently."

It is understood to be the first time that the Queen has given permission for direct audio from one of her one-on-one conversations to be aired.

Speaking to nurses in London, the Duchess of Cambridge said: "I don't know how you manage to do this and keep the show on the road despite the extra pressures you're all under and the challenging conditions.

READ MORE:
• Kate Middleton releases a fifth previously unseen photo of Princess Charlotte for her birthday
• Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis share sweet "thank you" video to medical workers

"It's just shown how vital the role that nurses play across the world. You should be so proud of the work that you do."

Prince William spoke with nurses at the Royal Marsden, which is one of his patronages, telling them: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you're doing. You're doing a terrific job and I hope you know how appreciated it is."

How special is that!

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you