It was an image that resonated with many as a very strange Christmas got under way. In 2020, after months of lockdowns and social distancing, many had hoped the festive season would bring a chance to be with family and loved ones again. But as December got under way, it became clear that the pandemic would make Christmas very different for everyone.
That was reflected in the one image of the Royal Family together that festive season. Queen Elizabeth II stood on the steps of Windsor Castle, where she had bubbled for much of the year with Prince Philip, to see some of her children and grandchildren at the end of a special tour designed to thank those supporting local communities.
William and Catherine, then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, had spent three days visiting different parts of the UK to meet those who had been looking after others. The trip started at Euston station on December 6th 2020. It was all but empty as travel restrictions continued. To the sounds of ”Merry Christmas, Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens, who was there to sing the couple on their way, the couple departed.
Their first stop was in Edinburgh on December 7th 2020. William and Catherine started their day with a visit to Scottish Air Ambulance workers, as representatives of the NHS, to thank them for their hard work. The news came as the royal couple were announced as joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, a funding appeal organisation that works to provide “extra funding and additional services above and beyond NHS core funds, supporting hospitals, community and mental health services and ambulance services.”
The royal couple then travelled to Brentwood-upon-Tweed to visit students and teachers at the Holy Trinity Church of England First School. William and Kate decided to visit the school to thank teachers who have been vital at continuing education through the challenges of lockdowns.
Embed from Getty ImagesDuring their visit to the school, the Duke and Duchess also met three reindeers, Chaz, Crackers, and Echols, as part of the school’s festive plans.
Embed from Getty ImagesNext, the Cambridges travelled to the Batley Community Centre in West Yorkshire, to meet with volunteers who have been helping the elderly in the community throughout the pandemic. This included Kate’s first face-to-face meeting with Len Gardner, the elderly carer she’d telephoned through the Royal Voluntary Service earlier in lockdowns.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinally, the Royal Train stopped in Manchester for a visit to Fareshare, a food waste charity that donates surplus food to vulnerable people across the UK, and thank the volunteers there who have been working hard during the pandemic.
Embed from Getty ImagesWilliam gave a short speech, saying, “Catherine and I felt it was extremely important to visit just some of the heroes that have emerged this year to thank you for all that you have done.”
He added, “You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature.”
The tour continued on December 8th when the couple arrived in Cardiff to meet with students from Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales to discuss how they’ve handled the pandemic and to hear about their mental health since the lockdowns began.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile at Cardiff Castle, the royal couple took part in a toast-your-own-marshmallow session at a firepit and then played a game of Secret Santa gift exchange with students.
In the Secret Santa gift exchange, the Duchess received a Welsh love spoon, and the Duke received a beer glass coaster set. The couple gave a Prosecco Pong drinking game and a mini-football set.
Before leaving Cardiff, the royal couple took in a performance by the Welsh Samba Band and heard more about how they have been supported by the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Next, William and Kate travelled to Bath for a visit to the Cleeve Court Care Home to meet residents and carers at the facility and heard how they have been affected by the pandemic.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe royals were also treated to a performance by the Bath Abbey Choir. The director of the group later spoke exclusively to Classic FM.
“We feel very privileged to be able to offer our talents to bring joy to others, and especially for those in the care home. Music can bring such comfort to people during this difficult and dark year we’ve experienced together,” said Huw Williams.
On their second-to-last stop, the royal couple then travelled to Reading and visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital—where Kate was born—to thank the nurses there and hear more about their experiences throughout the pandemic.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter asking the medical staff about their mental health, William said, “’Keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Finally, William and Kate stopped off at Windsor Castle to join Queen Elizabeth II for a socially distanced family photo. Also present were Charles, then heir to the throne, and Camilla as well as Princess Anne and Prince Edward with Sophie.
Like many families around the UK, the royals were unable to share Christmas Day together because of pandemic restrictions.
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