The Duke of Cambridge and his stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall have both written to Captain Tom Moore, 99, to congratulate him on smashing his NHS fundraising target.
The war veteran set out to raise £1,000 for frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic by walking 100 laps of his garden.
He completed the challenge on Thursday morning – one week before his 100th Birthday – and has raised more than £15 million so far.
Prince William is among the donors, sending an undisclosed sum to the 99-year-old’s appeal, Kensington Palace said.
Meanwhile, his cousin Princess Eugenie wrote her own tribute online, posting on Instagram: "@captaintommoore you are an inspiration and thank you."
In sending personal notes to the national treasure, the royals join children up and down the country who have been creating special birthday cards for the soon-to-be centenarian.
Isla Mullane, five, from Cardiff is one of those who felt compelled to make a card.
“She has been watching the press coverage of Tom and his amazing efforts,” her mother said.
“This is close to our hearts as I currently work for the NHS and as a family have always experienced only the best care when needed."
Their heartwarming acts of gratitude come as Boris Johnson considers how to recognise Mr Moore’s “heroic efforts" amid multiple calls for him to receive a knighthood.
His official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: “From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.
“The Prime Minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom’s heroic efforts.”
Number 10 said the 99-year-old had “captured the heart of the nation” and “embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus”.
By Thursday afternoon, more than 760,000 supporters had donated more than £15 million on Cpt Moore’s JustGiving page – the largest total ever raised in a single campaign on the website.
