The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined millions of people across the UK in an act of commemoration for all those who have lost their lives with coronavirus.
The Duke and Duchess visited Westminster Abbey as a national minute of silence was held in memory of all those who have died in the past year as the pandemic took hold. The silence took place on March 23rd 2021, the first anniversary of the first lockdown in the UK. During their visit, William lit a candle at the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor and Kate laid a bunch of spring daffodils, a sign of hope and also the symbol of the Marie Curie Trust who have helped organise the silence around the country.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited the vaccination centre which has been set up at Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey. The couple spent time talking to staff and volunteers as the rollout of jabs continues. The centre has vaccinated around 2,000 people a week since it was set up earlier this month. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also met some those receiving their vaccinations on the day the UK marked its National Day of Reflection.
Earlier in the day, The Prince of Wales spoke of the way the past year had tested ”resolve and resilience” and said ”we have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.”
Prince Charles also urged everyone to take a minute to ”remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting. In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.”
Over 126,000 people in the UK have died with coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.
