Coronavirus: Prince William and Prince Harry pay tribute to 'awe-inspiring' public response
In separate social media messages, the two princes vow to try and help coordinate community efforts to respond to the pandemic.
Thursday 19 March 2020 11:38, UK
Both Prince William and Prince Harry have paid tribute to the "awe-inspiring" response of the public to the coronavirus crisis.
In separate social media messages, the two princes have vowed to try and help coordinate community efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
William spoke of Britons' "unique ability to pull together" in the face of adversity, as he marked the launch of a coronavirus appeal by the National Emergencies Trust.
In a video posted on the Twitter account he shares with his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, William said: "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.
"I said at its launch last year that I dreaded the day when it would be needed.
"Sadly, with the outbreak of COVID-19, that day has come faster than any of us would have hoped."
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The National Emergencies Trust (NET) is a charity established in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in 2017.
It aims to collaborate with charities and other bodies to raise and distribute money and support victims at the time of a domestic disaster.
On the day when there was the biggest daily leap yet of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, William said the NET would "ensure that all our efforts to overcome this challenge are channelled in the best possible way".
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, also promised their own action in the face of the public health crisis.
In an Instagram post, the couple said: "These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other.
"We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary.
"There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home.
"Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring.
"This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit."
Harry and Meghan added they will be sharing information and resources to help people "navigate the uncertainty" over coronavirus, as well as highlighting "inspiring stories" of how people around the world are "connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up".
They said: "We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process - and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us."
Earlier on Wednesday, William and Harry's cousin Princess Beatrice cancelled her planned wedding reception in Buckingham Palace Gardens because of the coronavirus.
The Queen will on Thursday move from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle one week earlier than planned for the Easter period - and will likely stay there longer than originally thought - with coronavirus at its most widespread in London.
She has also cancelled a number of her public appearances in the coming months.