Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has digital meeting with Red Cross during coronavirus pandemic
By Heather Cichowski, with files from Zachary Harper
Just like many of us, the royals are working from home! On March 20, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has demonstrated how he is doing his part to show support during the coronavirus pandemic while self-isolating. The Danish Royal held a digital meeting with members of the Red Cross. Thanks, FaceTime!
The heir to the Danish throne shared an Instagram post his meeting on March 20. Royals fans will surely appreciate seeing the post, which definitely keeps us optimistic that things are carrying on even as many of us have socially distanced ourselves from others, are working from home or self-isolating or perhaps even been quarantined or are in lockdown.
"Today, through FaceTime, I have visited the Red Cross, which has established a significant preparedness to help Danes affected by corona," the post, which was originally written in Danish, read. "Either because they have questions or need help shopping, picking up packages or medication at the pharmacy."
MORE: Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for COVID-19
Frederik detailed how spoke with hard-working volunteers from call centres and help centres, and said he was touched by the love and compassion shown in the community.
"I met the call-centre volunteers who answer and help people who have questions about coronavirus," he wrote. "I also met volunteers who help out in a help centre to match people who want to help others who need help.
"As a Dane, I am proud of the great sense of community that is being displayed today. Over 11,500 have volunteered at the Red Cross. So if you need help and can't get out yourself, help is available.
"The Red Cross helps so that we can continue to look after each other by staying home, but without losing touch. This is also why I have not visited the Red Cross physically, but digitally."
In the Instagram post, Frederik also shared photos of his virtual meeting. Two images show him at home in self-quarantine, in what appears to his office. The other photos are from the Red Cross. They capture a volunteer bringing the iPad to fellow staffers to communicate with the Danish prince via FaceTime.
The images of Frederik were credited to his and Crown Princess Mary's son, 14-year-old Prince Christian! The teenager, who is second in the line of succession to the Danish throne, clearly wants to be involved with the battle against COVID-19. And it is great to see him supporting his father and become a budding shutterbuas they stay at home.
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik with their four children. Photo: © Ole Jensen/Getty Images
It was confirmed in a statement from the royals on March 12 that Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik pulled Prince Christian, along with his siblings Princess Isabella, 12, and nine-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, out of Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland due to the coronavirus outbreak. The family reunited in Denmark just before the country closed its borders over COVID-19.
Frederik's digital meeting comes after his mother, Queen Margrethe II, made a rare speech discussing the coronavirus pandemic on March 18. The 79-year-old has rarely addressed the nation, with the exception of her traditional New Year's Eve speech.
In the video, which was shared on Instagram, the monarch urged Danes to stay inside and practice social distancing in an effort to cut the spread of COVID-19.
As of this writing, the World Health Organization reports there have been more than 209,000 cases of coronavirus in 168 countries. Canada has 846 of those cases, according to Health Canada. As of March 20, Denmark had 1,044 of the WHO's reported COVID-19 cases.
