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Prince Philip, the 98-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, has made a rare statement, thanking those involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key points:
- The 98-year-old Duke of Edinburgh retired from public life in 2017
- The Duke is the latest member of the Royal family to thank key workers
- Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare televised speech earlier in the month to address Britons about the pandemic
The Duke of Edinburgh, has made few public appearances since he stepped down from official engagements in August 2017 and is currently staying with his wife at Windsor Castle during the global pandemic.
"As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic; by those in the medical and scientific professions, at universities and research institutions, all united in working to protect us from COVID-19," Prince Philip said.
"On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home, I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues.
"The staff and volunteers working in food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected."
Philip is the latest member of the royal family to issue a message to the nation since the country was put into a virtual lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Earlier this month, the Queen made only the fifth televised address of her record-breaking 68-year reign to tell Britons they would overcome the coronavirus outbreak if they stayed resolute, a message she repeated in an audio message at Easter.
The couple's eldest son, 71-year-old heir Prince Charles who himself has recovered after suffering mild symptoms of COVID-19, has also thanked health staff for their work, saying it was a strange and distressing time for the nation.
Philip's statement comes in the same week that the Queen is to celebrate her 94th birthday, on Tuesday, but the occasion will not be marked with the customary gun salutes because she felt it would not be appropriate.
Philip married Elizabeth in 1947 and is the longest-serving consort in British history but has recently battled health problems, removing himself from public engagements in 2017, which prompted speculation about his health.
In late 2019 he spent time in King Edward VII Hospital in London in relation to a pre-existing medical condition but was released on Christmas Eve.
Reuters
Topics: infectious-diseases-other, respiratory-diseases, covid-19, united-kingdom
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