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Kate Middleton and the Queen Pen Letters Celebrating 150 Years of the British Red Cross

Photo credit: Oli Scarff - Getty Images
Photo credit: Oli Scarff - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

  • Members of the royal family are celebrating 150 years of the British Red Cross, which celebrates its anniversary on August 4.

  • Both the Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Elizabeth II wrote encouraging letters of support to the charity, while Prince Charles showed his support by recording the introduction for the organization's new exhibition honoring its 150th anniversary.


The Duchess of Cambridge is joining the royal family in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross.

Per a Buckingham Palace press release, Duchess Catherine penned a letter to those who are part of the British Red Cross, highlighting their tireless work. Kate also mentioned that the organization holds sentimental value within her own family, revealing that her grandmother and great-grandmother both volunteered with the British Red Cross during the First and Second World Wars. Each letter from the duchess included a commemorative coin created specially by the Royal Mint for the anniversary.

"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. Olive during the First World War and Valerie during the Second World War," wrote Kate. "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."

Photo credit: photo c/o Middleton Family
Photo credit: photo c/o Middleton Family

The queen also wrote a letter to the organization's volunteers, congratulating them on their milestone anniversary. "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, " wrote the monarch. "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."

Prince Charles also participated in showing support for the British Red Cross. He recorded an introduction for the charity's new online exhibition celebrating its anniversary. The project showcases 150 objects (to mark 150 years) from the charity's museum and archives collection to honor those who played vital roles in the organization's history.

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