In an unusual move for the normally tight-lipped head of state, Queen Elizabeth II released audio from a private phone call with Professor Kathleen McCourt, the President of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of nurses throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
In what is believed to be a Royal Family first, Buckingham Palace shared extracts from the heartwarming conservation with royal fans the world over. The phone call took place on International Nurses Day as members of the Royal Family reached out to nurses across the globe.
In audio posted on Twitter by the official Kensington Palace account the Queen can be heard stressing the importance of the role nurses have played during the COVID-19 crisis.
Professor Kathleen McCourt said: “Good afternoon, Your Majesty.”
The Queen replied: “Good afternoon, this is rather an important day.”
Professor McCourt said: “Oh it is, it is quite special the international nurses day being recognised by the general public.”
The Queen responded: “Yes because obviously they have had a very important part to play recently.”
Last week Queen Elizabeth II was praised for her “inspiring and tremendous” VE Day speech by proud and emotional Britons.
The Queen addressed the nation on May 8, 2020, at 9pm, 75 years to the hour that her father delivered his speech marking the end of World War 2 in Europe with the surrender of the Nazis.
Queen Elizabeth II stated that while the British public celebrated from their homes and doorsteps due to the coronavirus pandemic, the streets were filled with love and care for each other.
Britons took to social media to pay tribute to the monarch following her speech.
One Twitter user said: “The Queen nailed that speech again didn’t she!”
Another tweeted: “What a beautiful speech from her majesty the Queen God bless her.”
A third wrote: “I’m too emotional, just cried over the Queen’s speech.”
Another tweeted: “What a brilliant, uplifting and emotional speech.”
A fifth said: “Yet another great speech. What a woman.”
One other Twitter user wrote: “How lucky we are to have such an inspiring and tremendous Queen.
“Her speech today lifted the nation and gave hope to us during these uncertain times.”