The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have begun their cross-country train journey in support of coronavirus heroes. Royal insiders have said the couple’s journey will “lighten the nation’s mood” ahead of Christmas, with COVID-19 restrictions impacting how Brits spend the holiday. William and Kate have been front and centre throughout the pandemic, hailing frontline workers and organisations for their efforts and taking part in charities to support them.
Royal sources spoke to the Telegraph about how the Cambridge’s “are taking it upon themselves to keep the nation’s spirit up”.
The insiders hailed William and Kate for their efforts amid the pandemic, and added: “What this year has done has reinforced the value of the Royal Family as natural actors of state.
“They are not celebrities – they are there, effectively, to thank people on the public’s behalf.”
Another insider told the Daily Mail, William and Kate have been “itching to get out and about” to support the country.
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Yesterday saw the royal couple embark on their 1,250 mile trip across the UK in support of the country’s coronavirus battle.
A spokeswoman from Kensington Palace said William and Kate’s Royal Train trip will see them make 10 stops across England, Wales and Scotland.
She added: “The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible work that has been done across the country throughout this difficult year and to sharing their gratitude on behalf of the nation for all those supporting their local communities ahead of the Christmas holidays.”
A Kensington Palace statement also hinted the couple would be meeting with “frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people” in their trip.
The first stop on the couple’s cross-country trip has not been disclosed, with the couple departing from London Euston last night.
Kate will make her first ever trip on the Royal Train in her nine years as a full time royal.
William however has used it a number of times, including for his mother Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.
In addition to praising individuals and organisations, William and Kate also aim to shine a light on Britain’s arts and heritage industries, which have been supported during by the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund during the pandemic.
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A royal insider has spoken of William and Kate’s want to get involved in promoting coronavirus vaccines.
The Cambridge’s will wait in line for a jab against the virus, as will the rest of the Royal Family, to avoid favouritism.
But the source said to the Daily Mail the couple are “keen to support everyone who has been involved”.
William has been vocal about Oxford University and AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate, and hailed last month’s news their jab was 90 percent effective in developing immunity from coronavirus.
William and Kate have also made regularly appearances, both virtual and in person, to support individuals for their efforts during the pandemic.
During last month’s Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards, the royals bestowed a special recognition award to NHS frontline staff.
Speaking to workers at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, William said: “We cannot thank you enough.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, it is a tremendous honour for Catherine and I to present this special recognition award to the army of dedicated NHS staff.”
