The Duchess of Cambridge has written a letter to 150 British Red Cross staff members and volunteers in honour of the organisation’s 150th anniversary.
Kate’s letter, accompanied by a commemorative coin, spoke about her family’s connection to the British Red Cross and her admiration of those who have chosen this career path. Her letter is a part of a coordinated effort among the British Royal Family, which saw The Queen, The Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra also paying tribute to the British Red Cross in their own ways.
The Duchess’s letter reads in full:
“I wish to send you many congratulations on being awarded this commemorative coin, created by the Royal Mint, to mark the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross. Your colleagues nominated you because of your hard work with the British Red Cross and because of the way in which you carry out your work: helping those who need it most and putting people first.
“On this anniversary, I would like to thank and remember the many thousands of staff and volunteers who over the years have contributed tirelessly to the organisation’s work, including my great-grandmother, Olive, and my grandmother, Valerie, who both served as a Voluntary Air Detachment with the British Red Cross. Olive during the First World War and Valerie during the Second World War. Like you and many others, they are both part of the rich history of the British Red Cross, which is helping to ensure many people get the support they need during a crisis. In recent months, I have been deeply moved by the work you and your colleagues have continued to do throughout the coronavirus pandemic. You have all be doing an inspiring job supporting vulnerable people.
“I hope this coin serves as a token to remind you of the importance of the role you play in sustaining this incredible organisation.”
Kate also released a photo of her grandmother Valerie on active duty during the Second World War to commemorate the anniversary.
