The Princess Royal has thanked midwives and maternity medics for providing hope, joy and care during ‘difficult times’ in a special message. Princess Anne spoke of her admiration for the work of all those looking after mothers and babies as she marked International Day of the Midwife.
The princess, speaking in her role as patron of the Royal College of Midwives, highlighted the huge effort being made by maternity experts across the UK as the coronavirus pandemic changes how the way they are supporting women, children and their families.
As well as offering her thanks and praise in a special videos shared on social media, Anne commented on the professionals not having the opportunity to mark the special day as a group, adding ”in many ways though ,despite not being able to come together, as a profession you have never been more united. To face the current health situation, some of you will be returning to practice from academia, non-clinical roles or even retirement. Some midwifery students may find themselves in the workforce earlier than they had anticipated…..in these difficult times, you have shown great care and compassion. That will be what the women in your care remember for years to come.”
The Princess Royal has been patron of the Royal College of Midwives for almost twenty years. Reflecting on her links with the organisation, Anne continued ”on my visits…as your patron…I am always struck by that sense of hope and new beginnings. Even in these difficult times, I am sure that you are doing all you can to allay anxiety and concern and ensuring that joy and hope pervade.”
And the princess, speaking via video from her home, finished by looking to the future. Anne said ‘‘I hope that, before the year is out, there will be an opportunity to celebrate the International Year of the Midwife together, in person.”
The Princess Royal has been patron of the Royal College of Midwives since 2002.
Earlier this week, the Duchess of Cambridge took part in a video call with a new mother to mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. Kate, who spent time at Kingston Hospital in 2019 shadowing maternity staff, also spoke to midwives at the facility to discuss the way the coronavirus pandemic is impacting support for mothers, babies and families.
