Tuesday 23rd March 2021 marked one year since the UK first went into national lockdown. The day was called the National Day of Reflection, and was spearheaded by Marie Curie end of life care charity, and backed by the UK Government. Of course, the Royal Family showed their full support for the day that was a time to remember those that have died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to thank the frontline workers and NHS for all that they have done and sacrificed.
As well as a minutes silence at 12 midday, the public were encouraged to light candles or shine torches outside their homes at 8pm as a beacon of remembrance, and to plant a bush or tree, or lay daffodils, in memory of those that have died. Church bells rang, and their doors open with covid-secure measures, as a place for people to go to reflect, think, and pray.
The Prince of Wales is Patron of Marie Curie, and he shared a video message to mark the day. He said, “We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
”Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
“In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked the day with a visit to the vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey. They met the staff who are rolling out the vaccine, and thanked them for their work. They also met those there receiving their vaccine that day. The duke joked that he was still a way off from receiving his vaccine, being under 40! This follows other members of the royal family encouraging the public to take the vaccine. The Queen herself spoke publicly on a video call about the importance of people receiving the vaccine, that it didn’t hurt when she received hers, and that people who were thinking of not taking it needed to think of others, not themselves. The Cambridge’s have also had video calls with people who have had the vaccine to further publicise its importance, and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have visited vaccination centres.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also took a moment of private reflection at 12 midday. The Duke lit a candle and the Duchess laid a bouquet of daffodils at the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, as part of their visit to Westminster Abbey. After observing a minutes silence, they joined in with prayers led by the Abbey clergy.
The Queen sent a bouquet of spring flowers to St Bartholomew’s hospital, where her husband the Duke of Edinburgh recently underwent heart surgery. This was to thank them and all frontline workers for their role throughout the past year, and to mark the National Day of Reflection. A note with the flowers read, “As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.”
The Duke of Sussex played his part from his home in the USA. He wrote a foreword for a children’s book about bereavement, given to children of key workers who have lost their loved ones to Covid in the past year, as a gift and encouragement on the National Day of Reflection. The Duke lost his own mother to a car crash when he was a young teenager.
The Duke of Sussex wrote, “If you are reading this book, it’s because you’ve lost your parent or a loved one, and while I wish I was able to hug you right now, I hope this story is able to provide you comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. When I was a young boy I lost my mum. At the time I didn’t want to believe it or accept it, and it left a huge hole inside of me. I know how you feel, and I want to assure you that over time that hole will be filled with so much love and support.
“We all cope with loss in a different way, but when a parent goes to heaven, I was told their spirit, their love and the memories of them do not. They are always with you and you can hold on to them for ever. I find this to be true. Now, I never met them, but I know this person was special to you, and they were someone incredibly kind, caring and loving because of where they chose to work. Helping others is one of the most important jobs anyone can ever do. You may feel alone, you may feel sad, you may feel angry, you may feel bad. This feeling will pass. And I will make a promise to you — you will feel better and stronger once you are ready to talk about how it makes you feel.”
Once again, the royals were at the forefront, leading the nation during this poignant day. I think they played their part well. Often, big national occasions are about the royals themselves, such as jubilee’s, birthday’s, and anniversaries. But the National Day of Reflection was not about them, it was about others. But the nation still looked to the royal family to embody them and lead in a quiet way that pointed to the sacrifice of others. They were understated about themselves, but made a statement about the work and sacrifice of others, and the importance to reflect and mourn healthily.
Marie Curie put together a series of talks called the Good Grief Festival. For more information about bereavement and loss please visit their website.
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