Kate Middleton and Prince William Had a Surprise Meeting with Healthcare Workers

Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out to show their support for emergency healthcare workers as the coronavirus and its effects continue to cause waves around the world.

On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the National Health Service's 111 center, where staffers have been fielding calls about urgent medical problems from across the U.K.

"Catherine and I were proud to visit staff working at NHS 111, to pass on our personal thanks, along with those of my grandmother and father, to staff working around the clock to provide care and advice to those that need it most," Prince William wrote in an Instagram caption about the visit.

Though the royal family has canceled engagements due to the virus, the Cambridges reportedly took proper precautions during the event, opting not to shake hands and using hand sanitizer. Kate wore a tailored pink suit and heeled pumps for the visit, while William opted for a navy suit.

According to People, during the visit, Prince William met Paula White, a call handler who was a former telephonist at Buckingham Palace and had met him when he was a baby.

"Was I behaving myself? A rowdy little child?" he joked.

White told reporters, "I said, 'I can’t say sir – the press are here!' I worked [at the palace] when his mum was getting married."

She also added that Princess Diana enjoyed going into the switchboard room and answering the calls, telling the press at the event, "She used to be taking calls with us. I saw the ring! [William] was just a little baby when she brought him down."

RELATED: Prince William and Kate Middleton Spoke Out About the Coronavirus

On Thursday, Prince William shared a video message about the coronavirus, telling supporters, "Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the U.K. have a unique ability to pull together."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday announced the closure of pubs, restaurants, and gyms in the U.K. over coronavirus concerns, as 953 cases of the virus have been confirmed in London alone.