Hospital staff have revealed it was a morale boost to receive a phone call from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this week, but initially thought it was an April Fool’s joke.
The royal couple spoke to staff at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, and Queen’s Hospital Burton in the West Midland’s on Wednesday.
Eight members of staff from the Scottish hospital, including doctors, nurses physiotherapists and a domestic assistant, were all present during the call.
Some of them initially thought it was an April Fools’ joke but were delighted when they realised the call was genuine.
During the phone call, Kate Middleton, 38, urged the staff at the hospital to look after themselves while battling the virus.
The royal couple spoke to staff at University Hospital Monklands (pictured) in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, and Queen’s Hospital Burton in the West Midland’s on Wednesday
The duchess said: ‘You’re stretched in all sorts of ways looking after the patients in your care under such extreme circumstances.
‘But you also need to be able to make sure you support yourselves, and each other.
‘It must be so hard but I’m glad to hear that you’re currently getting all the support you need.’
Donna Marie McGroarty, infectious diseases charge nurse, said: ‘We were so honoured to receive a call from Their Royal Highnesses.’
She added: ‘It has been a tough time for all our staff. However, the support we have received from colleagues and the community has been overwhelming.
Donna Marie McGroarty, infection diseases charge nurse, and seven others – including doctors and a domestic assistant – spoke to William and Kate (pictured in Ireland in March)
‘The telephone call from the duke and duchess was totally unexpected and a real morale boost.’
Members of the royal family have used phone calls and video conferencing to continue their royal duties during the coronavirus lockdown.
Dr Marion Devers, deputy chief of medical service at University Hospital Monklands, said: ‘There was a real sense of excitement in the room and I was struck by how touched the staff were by the opportunity to speak with them.
‘All of the staff at the hospital have been impacted to some extent over the past eight weeks, both personally and professionally, and we are planning for the weeks and months ahead.’
During the phone call, Kate urged staff at the hospital to look after themselves while battling the virus. Pictured: Duke and Duchess visit the London Ambulance Service 111 control room
She revealed their patients and the public had been sending ‘various gifts of flowers and food’ to help the nurses through their gruelling shifts.
‘Our teams have been working exceptionally hard in new and challenging circumstances, she said.
‘However, it has been inspiring to see how people have risen to the challenge, collaborated and provided support for one another.
‘We know that it is difficult for our patients and the public too and we really appreciate the support and generosity they have shown and many acts of kindness, including various gifts of flowers and food.
In an Instagram posted by Kensington Palace, he said: ‘We’d just like to say from the two of us how proud we are of all of you and how amazingly you are all doing’
The Prime Minister (pictured above) braved a smile earlier this evening as he ventured outside to clap for carers amid a nationwide campaign
Windsor’s Castle round tower turned blue as a mark of appreciation for key workers as tweeted by The Royal Family tonight
‘One of the most important things we ask for is that we all follow the national guidance and stay at home.’
It comes after Britons flocked to their doorways, balconies, gardens and windows last night to give a heartwarming round of applause as the country came together for the NHS.
And in a tribute to the health service, Windsor’s Castle round tower turned blue as a mark of appreciation for key workers.
People up and down the country joined in for the Clap For Carers campaign at 8pm, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who tested positive for coronavirus last Friday, stepping out in a suit.