The whole world has embraced video conferencing in recent months amid the spread of coronavirus, with gym classes, school lessons and even special occasions such as birthdays and weddings taking place online rather than in person.
Even members of the royal family have embraced video calling in place of their usual official duties, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Royal and Prince Charles all dialling in to discuss important topics, and even open hospitals, virtually due to the ongoing risks associated with Covid-19. And now, after three months in lockdown at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty the Queen has hopped on the bandwagon as the 94-year-old monarch made her public Zoom debut on Thursday as she joined a call to mark Carers Week in the UK.
Queen Elizabeth II joined her daughter Princess Anne yesterday, from her temporary residence at Windsor Castle where she is isolating with Prince Philip, as they spoke to a group of carers about their experiences within the industry and the many challenges they face.
“To mark Carers Week 2020 The Queen and The Princess Royal spoke to a group of carers who are supported by The @Carers.Trust to find out more about the challenges they face,” a post on the official Instagram account of the Royal Family read.
“The Princess Royal has been President of The Carers Trust since it was launched in 2011. The Trust provides support to carers across the UK through their network of partners, as well as giving carers a voice and highlighting their work to the general public.”
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The Queen listened as several carers outlined their own experiences in a 20-minute call. In a short clip shared to social media, the Queen can be heard thanking them for sharing their stories.
She said: “Interesting listening to all your tales and stories. I’m very impressed by what you have achieved already. I am very glad to have been able to join you today.”
Many royal watchers praised the monarch for embracing technology amid the current pandemic, as one person wrote: “The Queen never cease to amaze me. Zooming for a good cause.” Another commented: “How cute is our Queen on zoom!”
While another user wrote: “To Her Majesty the Queen, thank you for showing carers their importance. Thank you for raising awareness. I’ve been a family member’s carer since I was 18. I’m now 28. Being a carer is wanting to support someone no matter what you have to face. I would still do exactly the same if I had the choice. Family and friends that are also carers in what ever capacity… You are doing great.”
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It comes just days after Princess Anne shared a heartfelt video message to the millions of carers across the United Kingdom, thanking the many committed people who are dedicating their time to help their loved ones.
In a video shared to the royal family’s Instagram page, the 69-year-old could be seen sitting in her office at her country home at Gatcombe Park in England. Wearing her hair in its usual up-do, the Princess Royal looked lovely as she addressed the nation, wearing a navy blue blazer over a crisp white shirt. During the short, but sweet speech, Anne expressed her thanks to hardworking carers and said the work they do is vital and should not be forgotten.