Prince William says Britain is ‘at its best when we’re in a crisis’

‘Community spirit comes rushing back quicker than anything else,’ says Duke of Cambridge

Olivia Petter
Monday 13 April 2020 10:49 BST
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Coronavirus: Prince William says Britain is 'at its best when we're in a crisis'

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The Duke of Cambridge has said that Britain is “at its best” in the midst of a crisis such as the coronavirus outbreak.

The 37-year-old Royal made the comment in a new video announcing his patronage of the National Emergencies Trust (NET), an organisation that works with small charities to raise and distribute money to support victims at times of domestic disaster.

In the short film, Prince William speaks to various charities to discuss the challenges they face as they try to support their local communities.

Speaking to Jacky Crawford, a representative of the Moorlands Community Charity in East Yorkshire, William praised the public’s response to the pandemic.

“I think Britain is at its best, weirdly, when we’re in a crisis,” he said.

“We all pull together and that community spirit and that community feel comes rushing back quicker than anything else.”

Ms Crawford, whose organisation has been delivering hot meals to vulnerable people, asked Prince William to send a “virtual high-five” to her volunteers.

He replied: “You’re doing a fantastic job, please pass on many good wishes and big thank you to all the volunteers.”

In another conversation with a representative of community farm Dal Dy Dir in Powys, Wales, which supports people with disabilities and other marginalised groups, William explained why he wanted to speak to volunteers at this time.

“I want to make sure that the NET is getting it right and that the money is being distributed to the right people at the right time and that also you’re feeling supported,” he said.

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