The Prince of Wales has released a new video message as the UK marked Super Saturday, the day where English pubs, restaurants and other businesses begin to reopen as a result of the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince Charles shared a video message of support on his social media accounts, saying: “I need hardly say that it is exceptionally welcome news that hotels, restaurants and pubs are to begin opening their doors.”
He continues:
“Hospitality connects people and enables them to create wonderful memories with families and friends, be it over a pint of beer, a special meal with family or an overnight stay to explore new places. All these experiences have been dearly missed as normal life has been put on hold.
“I know that those at the forefront of hospitality have missed their guests too, so I can only express my warmest appreciation for the resilience and fortitude shown by those in hospitality and offer my deepest sympathy to those who are struggling to keep their businesses going or are having to cope with the appalling misery of seeing their businesses go into administration.
“I only pray we can begin to rebuild a vital and resilient industry and that the wonderful entrepreneurial spirit I come across so often can help secure brighter and much more sustainable times ahead.”
The Prince’s message follows his son’s visit to a Norfolk pub. William visited the Rose and Crown at Snettisham to chat with the business’s owners about easing out of lockdown restrictions.
Prince Charles also spoke about the economic hardships faced by businesses during the lockdown, sharing details about the properties operated by his foundation. He said: “I know full well from the enforced closure of properties run by my foundation, both in Aberdeenshire and East Ayrshire, let alone the complete disruption of all charitable enterprises at Highgrove, just how far-reaching the effects of the lack of trading can be.
“At Dumfries House, for example, the closure has had a direct impact on those who show more than 32,000 visitors around the house itself, and also those who work in the bed and breakfast, cafe and events business – not to mention, of course, the catalogue of suppliers whose businesses depend on this activity taking place.
“At Highgrove, there has equally been a severe impact on the staff who look after nearly 40,000 visitors, as well as on the loyal suppliers to our shops.”
Prince Charles was also out last week to thank Transport for London staffers who have kept the Tubes running during the pandemic. He was joined by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who revealed that the Prince of Wales had reached out to set up the visit.
