Princes George and Louis, as well as Princess Charlotte, led millions of Britons in showing appreciation to health workers nationwide by giving them the applause that they deserved.
The NHS in its official Twitter page said “that was emotional” and followed it with a blue heart to show its appreciation and thanks for the amazing display of solidarity. Health workers are working tirelessly to stem the tide as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the whole country.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posted a video on Instagram that showed their children clapping and laughing together in the garden.
The post on Kensington Palace’s account read: “To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by #COVID19: thank you.”
The Queen also thanked the NHS from Windsor Castle saying that the country is “enormously thankful,” while her son Prince Charles also added his applause from Scotland. The prince is in self-isolation after he tested positive for the virus.
Britons gathered in their doorways, balconies, gardens, and windows to give a rousing round of applause and launched fireworks starting from 8 pm as the country stood behind the NHS.
Among the landmarks that lit up into a vivid blue during the stirring salute were the London Eye, the Wembley Arch, the Shard and Tower Bridge.
The Clap For Carers campaign started online and was conceived because “during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful,” the organizers said.
Italy and Spain, among the hardest-hit countries and with the world’s highest death tolls, have also had similar moves as citizens paid tribute to their medical personnel.
Chief nursing officer of the NHS Ruth May expressed her appreciation at the national salute.
She said: “Nurses and midwives in our care staff are working around the clock. They are working so hard. And I have a very huge personal thank you to make to them.”
She felt “very humble, very proud, and a clap for our carers will mean so much for all of our NHS staff and social care teams as well. Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Members of the events and entertainment industry had organized the #lightitblue campaign, of which Clap For Carers is part, in order to say thank you.
Among the celebrity presenters who backed the event were Piers Morgan, Chris Moyles, and Kate Garraway.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “My colleagues in the NHS do so much to look after us, especially in our hour of need and never more so than during the coronavirus crisis, so let’s join together at 8 pm tonight to say thank you to everyone in the NHS.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also recorded a video message addressed to health workers and said his thanks.
He added: “You truly are the best. Your hard work, dedication, and courage is saving lives every single day and we need you now more than ever before. I urge everyone to join together and applaud our NHS.”
Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I applaud the NHS, I clap for the NHS, I love the NHS. Well done everyone who works for the National Health Service and our care services and all the GP practices and everywhere else.
“You’re doing a fantastic job and I think the whole country has begun to realize how much we rely on you and on each other to get through this particular crisis. Thanks a lot and well done.”
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