Queen sends message of 'enduring appreciation' to healthcare workers around the world

The Queen has sent a message of gratitude to healthcare workers all over the world to mark World Health Day.

The message comes just days after Queen Elizabeth II’s historic address to the UK, in which she expressed solidarity and quoted the the Second World War era song “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn. 

As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, the Queen expressed her appreciation of frontline healthcare workers who are showing “dedication” during “these most challenging of circumstances”. 

“On the occasion of World Health Day, I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the Commonwealth, and around the world,” read the statement, signed Elizabeth R. 

“In testing times, we often observe the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives, and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all,” she added. 

The statement comes less than 24 hours after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital in London after his coronavirus symptoms worsened.

At the time of publishing, Johnson was said to have received oxygen support but was “not on a ventilator,” according to Michael Gove. 

The Queen has thus far not released a statement regarding Johnson’s condition, but a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told the BBC the Queen was being kept informed about the prime minister’s health.

The Queen ended her message by stating that she and her family send their “enduring appreciation and good wishes.”