The Royal Family thank the National Health Service.
Published
5th July marks 73 years since the creation of the National Health Service of the United Kingdom.
This year’s anniversary is particularly significant given the critical role the NHS, its staff and volunteers, have played in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Royal Family has a long history of recognising the work of healthcare professionals in the UK and this year The Queen has awarded the George Cross to “all NHS staff, past and present”.
The George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”.
It is the UK's highest award for non-military courage.
On this special day, the Duke of Cambridge has hosted a special NHS Big Tea in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to thank NHS staff.
Organised by NHS Charities Together, it was one of thousands of Big Teas taking place across the country to celebrate the Health Service’s 73rd year.
The Duke of Cambridge then arrived at the NHS Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 73rd birthday of the NHS at St Paul's Cathedral, London.
On the inaugural Thank You Day, The Prince of Wales dedicated his thanks to all NHS staff and volunteers across the country for their dedication, “sheer resilience and indomitable spirit”.
