The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise virtual visit to schoolchildren at Casterton Primary Academy in Lancashire, whose parents are key workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. The couple joined a show-and-tell session via video link, where children showed pictures of their parents and Easter bonnets.
Prince William, 37, praised the 'good northern volunteering spirit' of staff, as the school near Burnley General Hospital remains open to support key workers' children. The school is part of the Pendle Education Trust and also serves as a hub for several other local schools.
During the hour-long call, the couple spoke to children including Harris, 10, and Lloyd, nine. Harris showed a picture of his mother, who works for the NHS, and William said: 'Well done you! Look at that, that's a great picture.' Kate, 38, added: 'You should be very proud of her, they're doing an amazing job, all the NHS workers, so well done.'
The Duchess acknowledged the relief for key worker parents, saying: 'It must be such a relief for all the parents who are key workers to know their children have the normality and structure, and they've got a safe place.' Anita Ghidotti, chief executive of Pendle Education Trust, described the visit as 'absolutely fantastic' and a 'real boost' for everyone.
Leala Porter, a project manager from children's mental health charity Place2Be, of which Kate is patron, said: 'There's been a genuine warmth throughout the school today with the children. The couple talked a lot about our northern spirit and thanked us for all we were doing. It meant such a lot.'
