Prince Philip wants to thank the key workers who are still doing their jobs amid the coronavirus crisis. The Duke of Edinburgh released a rare statement Monday considering he hasn't been a public servant since 2017.
In his message, Prince Philip, 98, acknowledged the "vital and urgent" scientific and medical frontliners who are trying to fix this coronavirus crisis. He also thanked those who are working to "ensure the infrastructure of our life continues," such as those in the food and distribution service, the garbage collectors and the postal or delivery services.
This is the first public message that Prince Philip has released amid the many issues that have affected the royal family since his retirement. He didn't even issue any statement after he was hospitalized in December 2019 for a pre-existing condition.
Sources said that the royal suffered from a gall bladder infection, hence he needed to get treatments. Apart from his age, it's this pre-existing condition that makes Prince Philip, who is 98, at risk if he becomes infected with coronavirus.
The Duke of Edinburgh is currently staying at Windsor Castle with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. The royal couple has been in isolation for four weeks, with less than a handful of staff to tend to their needs.
Last week, their grandson, Prince William, who is the second in line to the throne, said in a BBC interview that the royal family and their staff have been practicing care and making sure that the Queen and her husband are protected from developing COVID-19, given their ages. Apart from having less contact with the staff, Queen Elizabeth is also not going to have a celebration as she turns 94 on April 21.
The royal family has not seen each other or have gone to royal events since the U.K. government issued stay-at-home orders in the middle of March. While Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are isolating in Windsor, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are in Birkhall, Scotland. Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, are in Norfolk with their kids.
The Queen's other children are isolation in their respective homes. Prince Andrew is also a few meters away at Windsor Castle in his home at the Royal Lodge. He's staying there with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughter Princess Eugenie. Prince Edward is staying put with his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and their kids at their house in Bagshot Park. Princess Anne is also at her home in Gatcombe Park.
