The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on their tour of the UK using the royal train when they were announced as patrons. The couple have been visiting frontline workers and “heroes” to spotlight their efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic. William and Kate have lavished praise onto NHS and care staff throughout the pandemic, issuing a special award to frontline workers during the Pride of Britain ceremony.
NHS Charities Together is a federation of more than 250 organisations supporting staff, patients and volunteers in the health service.
Ian Lush, chair of the charity, hailed the announcement that Kate and William were joint patrons.
He added: “This is such an honour for our organisation and for all the NHS charities across the UK.
“The involvement of Their Royal Highnesses will inspire the public to do even more to support the amazing NHS staff and volunteers who have done so much to keep us safe and well this year.
“We can’t wait to start working with the duke and duchess, the potential is so exciting.”
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The news came in as William and Kate pulled into Edinburgh to begin yesterday’s tour of the country.
The Cambridge royals made their first stop in Newbridge to meet with paramedics and first responders.
Also revealed during their Scotland visit was that William and Kate had sent a special bouquet of flowers to a veteran paramedic’s family, after they had died last month.
Rod Moore died at 63 years old after catching coronavirus, and re-enlisted to the service in April four years after his retirement to help amid the first wave of the pandemic.
William and Kate have been outspoken in supporting NHS and care staff throughout the year, praising them for their bravery during the coronavirus pandemic.
In November, the Cambridge royals presented NHS staff across the country with a special recognition award at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain ceremony.
Speaking from St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, William said to frontline workers: “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.”
Since 2007, William has been the President of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a position previously held by Princess Diana.
In October, the Duke visited the Royal Marsden Hospital to celebrate construction beginning on a new wing of the cancer hospital.
He spoke about the cancer patients difficulties during the pandemic, and said: “Earlier this morning I was privileged to meet patients who all spoke about the exceptional care they received, and how they felt safe in very difficult and often frightening times.
“The knock-on effects of coronavirus have been felt widely, but the impact on cancer treatment for patients up and down the country has been one of the most acute and challenging.”
