How Kate Middleton and Prince William Will Continue to Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Shannon Barbour
·4 min read
Photo credit: Charles McQuillan - Getty Images
Photo credit: Charles McQuillan - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

  • Kate Middleton and Prince William are still making select appearances during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, they will also use Instagram to communicate with the public.

The UK has finally ramped up its response to the coronavirus pandemic with Prime Minister Boris Johnson enacting a stay-at-home order. Like much of America, residents should only venture outside if absolutely necessary and if their jobs are considered essential. As figureheads of the UK, the royals’ appearances aren’t really considered essential, but Prince William and Kate Middleton seem committed to continuing their outreach to organizations that deserve support.

One of William and Kate’s last appearances was at NHS111, the national health care service’s hotline for medical advice, on March 19. This visit came long after many countries already issued stay-at-home orders but shortly before the prime minister issued the UK’s.

While the Cambridges have relocated to Norfolk in the meantime and haven’t made a public appearance since March 19, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams spoke with The Express and suggested they will continue to help in some way because they have a “considerable responsibility” as “morale boosters.” Fitzwilliams also added that because Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are in Canada and “likely to be sidelined,” Will and Kate will take on a bigger role.

View this post on Instagram

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. • The last few weeks, and more recent days have been understandably concerning with the continuing spread of coronavirus. • But it’s at times like this when we realise just how much the NHS represents the very best of our country and society – people from all backgrounds and walks of life with different experiences and skills, pulling together for the common good. • Not only are NHS staff and emergency workers responding to the needs of the public, they – like the rest of us – are concerned about their families, friends and loved ones. • They need our support as much as we need theirs. • All of us have a part to play if we’re going to protect the most vulnerable. • That means acting on the latest expert advice, staying home if we or those we live with have symptoms, and avoiding non-essential contact to help reduce the spread of the virus. • — The Duke of Cambridge

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Mar 20, 2020 at 10:59am PDT

Katie Nicholl, another royal commentator, also suggested that William is apparently expected to “step up into statesman role” in addition to contributing to social media with Kate. (William already addressed the nation in a video last week.)

View this post on Instagram

Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together. The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature. The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way - which is why the establishment of the National Emergencies Trust was so important. The NET has launched an appeal to raise funds to help local charities support individuals suffering hardship as a result of the #coronavirus outbreak. Visit @national_emergencies_trust_ or the link in our bio to find out more.

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Mar 18, 2020 at 10:40am PDT

At the moment, it’s unclear if William and Kate will make more appearances, but William did allude to them continuing to highlight services that will be helpful during the pandemic. Fitzwilliams added, “Their movements are obviously followed avidly by the press and social media, and they are certain to rise to the challenge of boosting morale whilst complying with the behavior recommended by the government.”

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