The Royal Family has expressed its thanks to those involved in turning the Excel Centre in London into a new hospital to treat patients with coronavirus. And the Duke of Gloucester led praise for the Armed Forces involved in setting up the NHS Nightingale Hospital which was been created in just a few weeks.
The Duke, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Anglian Regiment, spoke of his pride in their role setting up the new hospital. In a statement, he said ” In these challenging times, I am enormously proud of the Royal Anglian’s role in helping to build Nightingale London. It’s is a testament to the Royal Anglian Regiment’s dedication, teamwork and professionalism. Their commitment will make a huge difference to lives up and down the country”.
The regiment has been working alongside the NHS, contractors and the Ministry of Defence to help complete the hospital which will open later this week, initially for up to 500 patients. At full capacity, the Nightingale would hold 4,000 beds.
There was further royal praise for the work that has helped create a massive hospital in less than a fortnight. On the official Royal Family Twitter and Instagram, there were words of thanks for all those involved. One tweet read ” Thank you to all those working hard to complete @NightingaleLDN Hospital, which will open this week to support patients with coronavirus”.
On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales also showed his appreciation for the work of medical staff as well as those working to keep food supplies going around the country. In a recorded message, shared on social media, Prince Charles spoke of his admiration for their work and asked everyone to show them the support they need and deserve.