World Health Day: Queen releases message of thanks for healthcare workers

'In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore,' the Queen writes

Sabrina Barr
Tuesday 07 April 2020 10:42 BST
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Queen releases message of thanks for healthcare workers on World Health Day

The Queen has released a message of gratitude dedicated to healthcare workers to mark World Health Day.

World Health Day is a global awareness day commemorated on 7 April.

To mark the occasion, the theme of which this year is “support nurses and midwives”, Queen Elizabeth II has released a message of thanks, in the form of a video on the royal family’s social media channels and a published letter.

In the letter, the monarch states that she wants to “thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of people across the Commonwealth, and around the world”.

“In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all,” the 93-year-old states.

The Queen ends her letter by stating: “My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes.”

The release of the Queen’s message for healthcare workers comes a couple of days after she delivered a rare address regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Her eldest son, Prince Charles, recently came out of self-isolation after recovering from Covid-19.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, also came out of self-isolation after testing negative for the virus.

During the Queen’s special televised address, which aired on Sunday evening, she thanked NHS workers on the frontline, care workers and individuals “carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all”.

“I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times,” she said.

“I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.”

The Queen ended her address with a message of hope, stating: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.

“But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”

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