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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently sent a video message to first responders in Australia. In the message, Prince William said, “The world was watching your efforts and we were deeply moved by what we saw.”
The video message was in honor of Australia’s inaugural “Thank a First Responder Day.” The royal couple delivered the message from their home office at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. The couple has been working from home since the coronavirus pandemic spread in England (and the world) back in the spring. In the video message, Prince William said, “Earlier this year, we witnessed thousands of firefighters, supported by the wider first responder community, who worked tirelessly risking their own lives to protect Australian communities from the devastating wildfires.”
The fires began with a serious of uncontrolled smaller fires in the summer of 2019. Throughout the summer and into early 2020, wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in southeastern Australia. Just when Australia thought the worst was behind them, COVID-19 spread like wildfire throughout the world.
Kate Middleton said to the Australian first responders, "Sadly, you’re now on the frontline of yet another emergency. The COVID-19 outbreak has brought first responders across Australia together again. Day in, day out paramedics, police, firefighters, and support staff work tirelessly to keep everybody safe, often risking not only their physical health but also their mental well-being.”
Both William and Kate have been sending words of encouragement to first responders in the UK and abroad. Through their charitable foundation, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they offer programs and support for mental and emotional health. William concluded at the end of the call, “Time and time again when Australia has needed protecting, you have answered that call. You should be immensely proud of everything you do and we send our very best wishes to you all and to your families.”
