Coronavirus: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle endorse ‘clap for carers’ event for NHS

David and Victoria Beckham have also got behind the event

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have got behind a campaign that is asking people to take part in a mass applause for NHS staff on Thursday.

The leaflet for the ‘clap for our carers’ event was posted on an Instagram story for the official Sussex Royal account on Sunday.

The message, which has been widely shared online, reads: “During these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful.”

It asks everyone to get involved on Thursday 26 March by clapping from 8pm from “front doors, gardens, balcony [sic], windows, living rooms”.

“To show all nurses, doctors, GPs and carers our appreciation for their ongoing hard work in the fight against this virus,” it continues.

Clap for our carers is a non-profit organisation that normally organises community projects like supporting food banks and volunteer groups.

But since the coronavirus outbreak they have been focusing on showing gratitude to frontline NHS staff.

On a Facebook page for the event, it reads: “ Let all the people working at the front line and beyond that appreciate their hard work! Use your hands, feet, pots, pans and scream on the top of your lungs!!

“And please don’t forget to stream/record your applause and post them using the #clapforcarers tag, so that when they need a boost all they need to do is just look for it online.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren’t the only celebrities to support the event – David and Victoria Beckham shared the poster on their social media pages.

“Words can’t describe how thankful we all are for all the bravery and hard work of the healthcare workers during this uncertain time.

“Let’s all join together next week on March 26 to show our gratitude and solidarity with those on the frontline. #ClapForOurCarers xxxx VB”

Other European countries, including France and Spain, have already seen clapping events to thank doctors and medical staff.

NHS England has now identified 1.5 million high-risk people with a variety of underlying health conditions who have been instructed to self-isolate for 12 weeks.

The rest of the population is being told to socially distance themselves and stay at home where possible, including working from home.

Pubs, restaurants, bars, gyms and leisure centres have all been closed.