Prince Philip has issued an extremely rare public statement amid the coronavirus crisis, and his words have struck a chord.
The 98-year-old Duke, who is currently isolating at Windsor Castle alongside Queen Elizabeth, issued the statement in line with World Immunisation Week, which gave rise to his first address in years since formally retiring back in 2017.
The Duke of Edinburgh has issued a rare public statement amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Getty)Shared across the Royal Family’s social media accounts, the Prince’s words were shared: “As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic,” he began.
“By those in the medical and scientific professions, at universities and research institutions, all united in working to protect us from Covid-19.”
He continued: “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 on food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected.”
The Duke’s words were met with praise from fans, with many taking to the comments section to voice their thoughts.
“Kind encouraging words from the Duke of Edinburgh,” wrote one fan.
Another mused: “Very wise words”.
The Duke has garnered a loyal fan base in his time as a royal.
As well as completing more than 20,000 engagements on his own since he became a royal in 1952, the 98-year-old has remained affiliated with some of his beloved patronages.
The Prince has garnered a loyal fan base over the years.
(Instagram / @sussexroyal)In December 2019, the Duke spent several days in a British hospital after experiencing difficulties relating to a “pre-exisiting condition”.
At the time, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson released a statement: “The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition.”
“The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’ Doctor.”
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread this year, the Duke and Queen Elizabeth relocated from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle in March, where they have remained in confinement since.
The Queen has kept very busy, continuing to work from home, even issuing a rare public address filmed inside the castle.
In her message of encouragement and support, the Queen said: “I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.”
She continued: “And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country.”
