Duchess Catherine has joined forces with her grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II to mark a very special occasion.
The 38-year-old royal and her 94-year-old royal counterpart have also banded alongside Prince Charles as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross.
With the special event taking place on the 4th of August, the Duchess shared a statement and an extra special photo in advance – and there’s a reason fans can’t stop talking about it.
Overnight, the Duchess of Cambridge shared a very personal family photo of her grandmother, Valerie Middleton, who worked as a Voluntary Aid Detachment during World War II.
In the incredibly rare photo, Kate’s grandmother can be seen in the centre of the shot wearing a nurse uniform as she stands alongside her colleagues.
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Kate’s grandmother can be seen in the middle of this beautiful, rare snap from World War II.
(The Middleton Family)To accompany the image, the Duchess also wrote a personal message: “On this anniversary, I would like to thank and remember the many thousands of staff and volunteers who over the years have contributed tirelessly to the organisation’s work, including my great-grandmother, Olive and my grandmother, Valerie who both served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment with the British Red Cross.”
She continued: “Like you and many others, they are both part of the rich history of the British Red Cross, which is helping to ensure many people get the support they need during a crisis. In recent months, I have been deeply moved by the work you and your colleagues have continued to do throughout the coronavirus pandemic. You have all been doing an inspiring job supporting vulnerable people. “
The Duchess paid her respects to the people who have served the Red Cross over the years, a feat close to her heart given her grandmother and great-grandmother did so.
(Kensington Palace)The Queen also paid her respects to those who have served the organisation over the years.
Writing a message of congratulations, she said: “As patron of the British Red Cross I send my warmest congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Society on the occasion of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.
“Whether those involved in the Society are assisting people to return home from hospital safely, offering care and support in the aftermath of a disaster, volunteering in a shop, administering first aid or some of the many other activities the British Red Cross encompasses, their contribution is recognised, valued and greatly appreciated. I send my heartfelt thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”
The Queen also added her own message alongside Duchess Catherine’s.
(Getty)The royals rarely band together like this for one event – though that only reiterates the importance of the Red Cross’ work over the years.
Prince Charles added his own way of thanking the organisation for its tireless work.
He recorded a special video introduction, which is housed on the charity’s refreshed website.
In the special note, Charles praised the dedication of the charity’s volunteers and highlighted how the royals have played their own part in supporting the charity, dating back to 1870 when Queen Victoria became the first Patron.
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