I was very thrilled to find out that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were embarking on a tour of England, Wales, and Scotland to thank communities, volunteers, and frontline staff for their work during this year’s covid-19 pandemic. For me, it seemed a fitting way to round off the year, and had that festive teamwork spirit that is prevalent at this time of year. It felt like an act of unity, bringing the country together, something that has happened a lot during the pandemic. This tour seemed to me to encapsulate the Cambridge’s and their approach to work, and their genuine enthusiasm and gratitude for the work people have done this year. Their use of the Royal Train to travel around the country and stop at the different towns and cities seemed both ingenious as it allowed them to both travel overnight, and stay overnight in a covid-secure way, and, it brought an element of tradition, and the majesty of royalty as they used this special mode of transport usually used by the Queen, but seen as a bit old-fashioned to some. It showed the Cambridge’s commitment to the tradition of monarchy as well as their enthusiasm to embrace the current culture and really be there to thank the everyday people who work so hard.
The tour began with their departure from London Euston station on 6th December. A live band played, ‘Merry Christmas Everyone,’ in the station, and the couple thanked transport staff who have kept people safe during the pandemic. The Duchess penned a message on the service information board which she signed, and the Duke signed too. It read, “Thank you to transport workers everywhere for keeping the country moving throughout this difficult year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! William & Catherine”
The couple started the next day in Edinburgh, where they met paramedics and staff of the Scottish Ambulance Service, as representatives of the NHS. They thanked them for their work, acknowledging the strain the pandemic has put on them. It was also announced that the Duke and Duchess have become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together. The next stop was Berwick-on-Tweed where the couple visited a primary school, and thanked the teachers who represented all teachers and school staff, for their contribution and work during the pandemic. They met the pupils, and heard how teachers have adapted for both learning during the first lockdown, and now with the restrictions that are in place.
Next, at Batley, the Duke and Duchess recognised the work of the Royal Voluntary Service, which this year has recruited people to become voluntary NHS Responders to help people attend emergency appointments, and to operate the, “Check in and Chat,” scheme where people can phone in who are struggling with self-isolation and need someone to talk to. They also help deliver prescriptions and groceries to vulnerable people.
In Manchester the couple learnt about the work of the charity FareShare, and thanked them and all other foodbanks and charities that have helped feed struggling families during the pandemic. The Duke said, “Catherine and I felt it was extremely important to visit just some of the heroes that have emerged this year to thank you for all that you have done. You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature.”
In Cardiff, at the Castle, the Cambridge’s toasted marshmallows over a fire and took part in a secret santa exchange with students from Cardiff University. They chatted to them about how the pandemic has been and its effects on their mental health. After listening to the band, Samba Galez, the couple heard about how they have been helped through the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
In Bath, the couple visited a care home, but stayed outside and saw those living there through an open glass door to keep them safe. They met staff and thanked them for their work during the pandemic, as well as staff across the nation. They learnt how residents have been able to keep in contact with loved ones despite not being able to have them physically visit them. In Reading, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the Cambridge’s met nursing staff and recognised their work during the pandemic and in this year 2020 as the year of the nurse and midwife.
Their final stop was Windsor, where the couple joined the Queen, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Earl and Countess of Wessex, and the Princess Royal, in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle. There, the local Salvation Army band played carols, and the royals thanked them and other key workers and volunteers for their contribution to the nation during this covid-19 pandemic. I thought this was such a special end to the tour, and it was lovely to see the royal family doing this together, giving it real importance and emphasising the value of everyone who has worked hard to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It was also extremely festive, which is just what is needed after this hard year!
Well done to the Duke and Duchess for a successful and poignant year. Each area of hard work and service was covered, and I think people will feel appreciated and valued. The Cambridge’s have highlighted the selfless work of others, and added an element of festive fun and Christmas spirit to it as well, spreading joy wherever they have travelled. The tour certainly had a special unifying touch to it. Everywhere they went there were Christmas songs played, and lights displayed! The Cambridge’s Instagram @kensingtonroyal shared the tour using Christmas songs and images and video clips that also boosted everyone’s spirits!