The Duchess of Cambridge paid tribute to her grannies as she joined the Queen and Prince Charles to mark 150 years of the British Red Cross.
Kate wrote a letter thanking staff and volunteers and recalling her grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, and great-granny, Olive Middleton, who were nurses for the charity.
The letter said: “Like you and many others, they are part of the rich history of the British Red Cross, which is helping to ensure many people get support they need during a crisis.
“In recent months, I have been deeply moved by the work you have continued to do throughout the pandemic.”
The Queen, who has been a patron for over six decades, also sent a letter, while charity president Charles recorded a video message.
Her Majesty wrote: “Whether those involved are offering care in the aftermath of disaster or the many other activities the British Red Cross encompasses, their contribution is greatly appreciated.”
The Prince’s message will be in a new online exhibition showcasing 150 objects from the charity’s archives. In it, he says volunteers’ “conspicuous humanity in times of crisis offers an inspiration to us all”.
Red Cross helpers have played a key role in the Covid-19 crisis, with over 200,000 “acts of kindness” including driving people to hospital and taking food to those who are shielding.
