The Queen And Cambridges Feature In Royal Family Zoom Call To Thank Nurses

The Queen lead the royal family in a series of Zoom calls today to thank nurses around the world, in celebration of International Nurses Day - marking a royal first.

While Her Majesty didn't appear via video, her voice can be heard in the broadcast greeting Professor Kathleen McCourt, the president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, saying: "Good afternoon. This is rather a special day".

McCourt responds: "Good afternoon, your Majesty. Oh it is, it's quite special International Nurses Day, being recognised by the general public."

The Queen continues: "Yes, because they've obviously had a very important part to play recently..."

It is thought to be the first time that the Queen has given permission for direct audio from one of her one-on-one conversations to be aired, reports The Guardian.

In a highlights video, shared to the royal family's social media channels, Prince Charles and Camilla can also be seen offering messages of support and thanks, alongside other senior royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Anne, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, from their respective homes across the UK.

The video features nurses from across the Commonwealth countries, including Sierra Leone, India, Cyprus and Australia.

“I don’t know how you manage to do this and keep the show on the road despite the extra pressures you’re all under and the challenging conditions," the Duchess of Cambridge is seen saying to nurses in London.

“It’s just shown how vital the role that nurses play across the world. You should be so proud of the work that you do.”

Prince William spoke with nurses at the Royal Marsden, which is one of his patronages, telling them: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’re doing. You’re doing a terrific job and I hope you know how appreciated it is.”

Watch the full video above.

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK.

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