The Queen has given one of the UK’s highest awards for bravery to the NHS as it celebrates its 73rd birthday.
Her Majesty announced the award in a hand written letter, sent from Windsor Castle.
The Queen said “It is with great pleasure on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom. This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.Collectively, over more than seven decades, they have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service. You have the enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation of us all.”
The letter was signed ‘Elizabeth R’.
The George Cross was instituted by The Queen’s father, King George VI, during World War Two. Its creation in 1940 was designed to recognise ”acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It is presented for bravery by citizens rather than military and has the same standing as the Victoria Cross.
The award to the NHS is only the third time in history that it has been presented collectively. It has been awarded previously to Malta for the island’s bravery in World War Two. It was presented to the Royal Ulster Constabulary (now the Police Service of Northern Ireland), in 1999.
The George Cross is awarded on the advice of the George Cross Committee and the Prime Minister.
The Head of the NHS, Sir Simon Stevens, described the award as unprecedented and added that it was a tribute to the staff who are still dealing with “the worst pandemic in a century and the greatest challenge this country has faced since World War Two”.
The NHS came into being in July 1948. To mark its 73rd anniversary, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 5th before hosting NHS workers for a Big Tea at Buckingham Palace.
