Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reveal sweet way they helped NHS workers mark a special day

Watch: Prince William and Kate wish Scottish NHS staff a happy Burns Night

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have revealed they sent NHS staff a special supper to help them mark Burns’ Night while working on the frontline against the coronavirus.

Prince William and Kate worked with NHS Charities Together to send a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties to staff at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Monday 25 January.

Burns’ Night, which falls on 25 January each year, celebrates the work of Scottish poet Robert Burns, on what would have been his birthday.

In a video message shared on Instagram, William said: “Hello to everyone at NHS Tayside. We know Burns Night is a special evening for Scots around the world – a time to come together to eat, drink and to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent haggis dinners for NHS staff. (Kensington Palace)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent haggis dinners for NHS staff. (Kensington Palace)

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Kate, in an Emilia Wickstead tartan dress, said: “Sadly this year is a little different.

“And for many of you working on the frontline, tonight will be a very different occasion, as you work tirelessly through this pandemic to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

The duke, 38, said: “We want to say a huge thank you for all of the work you are doing and the sacrifices you are making.

“As a token of our appreciation, we’ve teamed up with NHS Charities Together to provide you with a Haggis dinner.”

Kate, 39, added: “We hope you enjoy it, and look forward to better times together soon,” and the couple wished good health to the staff, saying: “Slainte Mhath!”

The message was played to 200 staff at the hospital as they enjoyed their meal and clips of the team tucking in were shown in the social media video.

Staff at the hospital in Dundee were able to enjoy a special lunch thanks to the duke and duchess. (Kensington Palace)
Staff at the hospital in Dundee were able to enjoy a special lunch thanks to the duke and duchess. (Kensington Palace)

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Edinburgh-based food and wine emporium Valvona and Crolla, and the Fisher and Donaldson bakery in Cupar, Fife, donated Burns biscuits and gift boxes to hospital staff after Kensington Palace’s request. Both companies hold royal warrants.

According to PA, aides at the Cambridge’s household declined to say whether the duke and duchess would usually celebrate Burns’ Night, but said Scotland holds a special place in their hearts.

The duke and duchess often join the Queen for a summer holiday at Balmoral, her Scottish home.

Other royals also marked Burns’ Night, with the Duchess of Cornwall reading one of her favourite poems by the famous Scot, My Heart’s In The Highlands.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when they are in Scotland, spent the first lockdown north of the border.

Prince Charles toasted the nation after reading some words from Burns’ famous song Auld Lang Syne while the Royal Family account, which shares messages from the Queen, posted photographs alongside a quotation from the same poem read by Camilla.

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