Prince Philip makes rare public statement praising coronavirus key workers

‘I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic,’ says Duke of Edinburgh

(Getty Images)

The Duke of Edinburgh has made a rare public statement to thank coronavirus key workers.

In the letter, the 98-year-old explains that he wanted to recognise the “vital and urgent” medical and scientific work taking place during the pandemic.

The Duke, who retired from public duties in 2017, also thanked key workers involved in food production and distribution.

The statement was published on the royal family’s social media channels and has been tied to World Immunistion Week, which begins on 24 April.

The statement reads: “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.

“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.”

The Duke is affiliated with more than 750 organisations involved in responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

These include the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Edinburgh and The Royal Society, which has been working to identify how to slow the spread of the virus.

Prince Philip’s statement comes after concerns about his health arose last year.

In December 2019, the Duke was taken to hospital for a “planned visit” on the advice of “His Royal Highness’ Doctor”.

He travelled from Norfolk to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment, but Buckingham Palace said the visit was in relation to a pre-existing condition and was just a “precaution”.