Prince William has opened a new NHS hospital in Birmingham via a video link from his country home, and he’s made history in the process.
The future king paged into the new building, which was filled with people involved in its fast construction and frontline workers who will be caring for patients within its walls on Thursday.
Speaking to them from a sunny corner of his Norfolk home, the Prince shared words of praise and encouragement to the workers.
The Duke paged into the new facility via a video call from his country home in Norfolk.
(Getty)The Prince spoke before the crowd who were spaced the required 1.5 metres from each other, telling them: “The building you are standing in is yet another example of how people across the country have risen to this unprecedented challenge.
“The Nightingale hospitals will rightly go down as landmarks in the history of the NHS,” he said.
“The NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham is a wonderful example of Britain pulling together, and having spoken to some of the people who helped build it, hospitals are about the people and not the bricks.”
The Duke continued: “I know that the Nightingale Birmingham will provide invaluable resources for hospitals from miles and miles around.
“This will reassure people across the Midlands that if their local hospitals reach capacity, there will be extra beds available for their loved ones here. I find that very comforting and I know many other people will too.”
He ended the rousing address by thanking everyone involved again, stating: “And finally, I am delighted to declare the NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham officially open.”
William’s words struck a chord with carers present at the official opening.
(Getty)The hospital is an incredible landmark that will go down in history as the COVID-19 crisis continues. It was constructed in just eight days, and will provide resource and access to patients who require critical care during the pandemic.
Highlight’s from William’s special address was shared on Kensington Royal, with fans flocking to sing their praises for the memorable unveiling.
“The best news I’ve seen today 💙,” wrote one fan.
Another said: “He’s so great! Being so very involved in helping with the pandemic.”
Later in the day, the Palace shared some more anecdotes from the Prince’s video calls with staff at the new hospital.
“It’s incredible to think how quickly you’ve done that,” the Prince said of the fast construction process.
“That’s phenomenal speed.”
He ended the conversation by apologising for not being with the workers in person on such a special day.
“For people to know that you guys are on the frontline doing that for the community, you should be very proud of everything you’ve achieved. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
WATCH: Prince William and Duchess Catherine surprise a UK school with a video call at Easter:
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