How royals are helping during the COVID-19 pandemic

<strong>By Heather Cichowski</strong> <p>Royals from all across the world are doing what they can to assist with conquering the <a href=/tags/0/coronavirus><strong>coronavirus</strong></a> pandemic. Like the celebrities that are <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/02020031755668/celebrities-making-a-difference-during-coronavirus-pandemic-donations/1"><strong>trying to make a difference</strong></a> during the <a href=/tags/0/covid-19><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> battle, royals are stepping up and throwing their support behind important initiatives. <p>They are showing support to front line workers, working with their patronages, encouraging people to self-isolate, delivering care packages, keeping everyone connected and uplifted, and so much more. <p>It is incredible to see royals use their platforms and bring their nations, as well as the world, together in this difficult time. <p><strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see how royals are getting involved in helping with the COVID-19 pandemic.</strong> <p>Photos: &copy; SEM VAN DER WAL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images, rhubarb Ltd
<a href=/tags/0/king-felipe><strong>King Felipe</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/queen-letizia><strong>Queen Letizia</strong></a> and daughters <a href=/tags/0/princess-leonor><strong>Princess Leonor</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/princess-sofia><strong>Princess Sofia</strong></a> took a moment of silence for COVID-19 victims at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on May 27. The <a href=/tags/0/spanish-royals><strong>Spanish royals</strong></a> were all dressed in sombre black for the minute of silence. <p>The Spanish government has declared a 10-day period of mourning for the nearly 27,000 confirmed lives who were tragically lost from the coronavirus. From May 27 to June 5 flags will be at half-mast in more than 14,000 public buildings as well as on Navy vessels. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/princess-eugenie><strong>Princess Eugenie</strong></a> and husband <a href=/tags/0/jack-brooksbank><strong>Jack Brooksbank</strong></a> were invited by the Salvation Army UK to its newly created hub to pack boxes. <p>The younger Princess of York revealed the royal engagement on May 13 on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAI4OXSDvUy/">Instagram</a>. <p>"As a group of volunteers we helped pack trolleys of food that are then taken and distributed to the Army's hugely important and much needed food banks that feed thousands across the UK," she wrote. "Their message is key - their doors are open, always have been and always will be." <p>Photo: &copy; David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
On May 13, <a href=/tags/0/king-willem-alexander><strong>King Willem-Alexander</strong></a> paid a visit to the Territorial Operations Center (TOC) of the Royal Netherlands Army at the Bernhard Barracks. <p>The military division is currently providing aid to a number of civilian projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. <p>Photo: &copy; PATRICK VAN KATWIJK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
To mark International Nurses Day on May 12, <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/kate-middleton/">Duchess Kate</a></strong> and <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/countess-of-wessex"><strong>Countess Sophie</strong></a> surprised nurses around the Commonwealth, including in Australia, India, Malawi, Cyprus, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas, with video calls. <p><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-charles"><strong>Prince Charles</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/camilla-parker-bowles">Duchess Camilla</a></strong>, <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-william"><strong>Prince William</strong></a>, <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/princess-anne"><strong>Princess Anne</strong></a> and <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/queen-elizabeth-ii">the Queen</a></strong> participated in the video alongside Sophie and Kate. The <a href=/tags/0/british-royals><strong>Royal Family</strong></a> honoured nurses and front line workers and gave their sincere thanks. <p>Photo: &copy; Chris Jackson/Getty Images
On May 12, <a href=/tags/0/queen-maxima><strong>Queen Máxima</strong></a> visited the AFPRO Filters factory in Alkmaar, the Netherlands to see its production of medical masks. <p>Photo: &copy; KOEN VAN WEEL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/queen-letizia><strong>Queen Letizia</strong></a> volunteered at the Red Cross office in Madrid on May 11. The <a href=/tags/0/spanish-royals><strong>Spanish royal</strong></a> helped with supplies and answered calls. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
On May 10, the day before Belgium's official reopening, <a href=/tags/0/king-philippe><strong>King Philippe</strong></a> visited a few newly reopened family stores in Brussels which had previously been required to shut during the coronavirus lockdown. <p>The royal spoke with business owners about reopening under strict conditions and future prospects. <p>Photo: &copy; Didier Lebrun/Royal Belgium Pool/Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton><strong>Duchess Kate</strong></a> made a surprise appearance on ITV's <em>This Morning</em> on May 7 to launch Hold Still, a <a href=/tags/0/coronavirus><strong>coronavirus</strong></a> pandemic photography portrait project in association with the <strong><a href="/tags/0/national-portrait-gallery">National Portrait Gallery</a></strong>, one of her patronages. <p>Hold Still aims to get people across the United Kingdom to submit pictures they've taken during the coronavirus pandemic to capture the mood, hopes and fears of what the country is going through as it battles <strong><a href="/tags/0/covid-19">COVID-19</a></strong>. <p>Those in the U.K. have until June 18 to submit their photos. Then 100 images will be selected for a digital exhibition that will be held later this year. <p>The project focuses on three categories: Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal and Acts of Kindness. <p>Photo: &copy; Chris Jackson/Getty Images
On May 6, <a href=/tags/0/queen-mathilde><strong>Queen Mathilde</strong></a> of Belgium visited the Gerpinnes branch of the Carrefour supermarkets, plus, she met with workers of the Gosselies distribution centre of the Mestdagh Group to hear about the impact of the coronavirus on their work. <p>Photo: &copy; Benoit Doppagne/Pool/Photo News via Getty Images
The <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/countess-of-wessex"><strong>Countess of Wessex</strong></a> opened the NHS Nightingale North East hospital in Sunderland on May 5 via video link. <p>Photo: &copy; Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/king-felipe><strong>King Felipe</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/queen-letizia><strong>Queen Letizia</strong></a> of Spain visited the 112 emergency centre on April 27 in Pozuelo de Alarcon. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
The entire <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/cambridge-family"><strong>Cambridge family</strong></a>, including <a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton><strong>Duchess Kate</strong></a>, <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-william"><strong>Prince William</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-george">Prince George</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/princess-charlotte">Princess Charlotte</a></strong> and <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-louis"><strong>Prince Louis</strong></a>, clapped for carers on April 23 as part of <strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02020042356129/prince-william-kate-middleton-prince-george-princess-charlotte-prince-louis-clapping/">the BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief's <em>Big Night In</em> special</a></strong> to raise funds for fighting <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/covid-19"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a>. <p>Photo: © Comic Relief/BBC Children in Need/Comic Relief via Getty Images
On April 23, <a href=/tags/0/princess-leonor><strong>Princess Leonor</strong></a> (left) and <a href=/tags/0/princess-sofia><strong>Princess Sofia</strong></a> of Spain (right) read a <strong>Don Quixote</strong> book from Zarzuela Palace in Madrid during a video link event. <p>It was organized by the Circulo de Bellas Artes (Circle of Fine Arts) to pay tribute to front line workers battling COVID-19. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/queen-letizia><strong>Queen Letizia</strong></a> participated in a video conference with the Down Association Spain at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on April 20. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
On April 22, <a href=/tags/0/prince-william><strong>Prince William</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton><strong>Duchess Kate</strong></a> launched a new initiative, Our Frontline, which aims to support frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic and brings together several organizations. <p>Our Frontline will provide 24-hour support to health care workers, emergency service providers, those who work as carers and others during this time, allowing them fast and easy access to mental health services. <p>The project has the involvement of British charities Mind, Samaritans, Hospice UK and the <a href=/tags/0/shout><strong>Shout</strong></a> text messaging service, which was started by the <a href=/tags/0/cambridge-family><strong>Cambridges</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/sussex-family><strong>Sussexes</strong></a> in 2019. Additionally, it will be backed by <a href=/tags/0/the-royal-foundation><strong>The Royal Foundation</strong></a>. <p>"Every day they confront the traumatic situations at the same time as having to contend with their own worries about the risks to themselves and their families," the Duke of Cambridge said in a statement about those on the frontlines. <p>"That takes a real toll, and as I've seen for myself through my work with the Air Ambulance, without the right support at the right time the challenges they face will only be greater. <p>"Catherine and I, together with The Royal Foundation, will do all we can to support Our Frontline. This work will be our top priority for the months ahead." <p>Photo: &copy; Facundo Arrizabalaga/Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
<a href=/tags/0/king-willem-alexander><strong>King Willem-Alexander</strong></a> attended a meeting at the Institute for Employee Insurance (UWV) in Amsterdam on April 21. <p>The Dutch king heard about the new regulation for employers in light of the coronavirus, the temporary Emergency Measure Employment Bridging (NOW). <p>The scheme is intended to compensate employers who face a loss of turnover relating to wage costs. <p>Furthermore, Willem-Alexander spoke with employees of the Customer Contact Center, who answer hundreds of telephone questions during COVID-19. <p>Photo: &copy; WESLEY DE WIT/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
<strong><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-philip">Prince Philip</a></strong> released a rare statement thanking health care workers for their bravery during the COVID-19 battle on April 20. It was a momentous occasion because the Duke of Edinburgh retired from public duties in August 2017 and has rarely shared statements since then. </p>"As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic; by those in the medical and scientific professions, at universities and research institutions, all united in working to protect us from Covid-19," the 98-year-old began. <p>"On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home, I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues; the staff and volunteers working in food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected," he concluded. <p>Photo: &copy; ALASTAIR GRANT/AFP via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/crown-prince-frederik><strong>Crown Prince Frederik</strong></a> shared a photo of his haircut while simultaneously showing his support for small businesses on the <a href=/tags/0/danish-royals><strong>Danish royal family</strong></a>'s official Instagram on April 20, explaining how he was able to visit the barbershop after select small businesses had started to reopen in Denmark. <p>"I'm probably not the only one who has been to a hairdresser today," he said in the caption, translated from Danish. ⁣ <P>"Fortunately, it is now possible for hairdressers and other smaller companies and stores to stay open on top of a long shutdown. ⁣<p>"I want to thank everyone for being so readily prepared and for helping keep the wheels going for a period that requires a lot of us all." <p>Photos: &copy; Instagram/detdanskekongehus
The <a href=/tags/0/prince-harry-and-meghan><strong>Duke and Duchess of Sussex</strong></a> delivered food packages for <a href="https://www.angelfood.org/" target="_blank">Project Angel Food</a>, a Los Angeles-based organization that distributes meals to 2,000 people with serious illnesses. <p> The <a href=/tags/0/sussex-family><strong>Sussexes</strong></a> have reportedly volunteered with the organization at least three times in April. <p>Photo: &copy; Chris Jackson/Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/prince-william><strong>Prince William</strong></a> opened the new NHS Nightingale Hospital in Birmingham via video link on April 16. <p>The hospital is one of several that will treat coronavirus patients during the pandemic. The U.K. had more than 100,000 cases as of this writing. <p>"Their selfless commitment has touched the hearts of the entire nation," the duke said of NHS front line workers. <p>Photo: &copy; Jacob King - WPA Pool/Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/princess-sofia><strong>Princess Sofia of Sweden</strong></a> took an active role by completing an intensive three-day training program at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm, where she is an honorary chair member. <p>Since completing the course, the <a href=/tags/0/swedish-royals><strong>Swedish royal</strong></a> will be able to assist hospital staff with non-medical tasks during the coronavirus pandemic. Her first day of work was April 16. <p>Photo: &copy; IBL/Shutterstock
On April 16, <a href=/tags/0/queen-maxima><strong>Queen Máxima</strong></a> of the Netherlands visited Demcon, a technology company producing medical machines, in Enschede. <p>Photo: &copy; Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
On April 15, it was reported <a href=/tags/0/prince-harry><strong>Prince Harry</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/meghan-markle><strong>Duchess Meghan</strong></a> would donate £90,000 (approximately $158,000) to Feeding Britain to provide support during the world's battle with COVID-19. <p>The money was generated through "excess profits" from the BBC broadcast of their 2018 wedding, according to <em><a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a32155234/meghan-markle-prince-harry-coronavirus-feeding-britain-wedding-pledge/" target="_blank">Town & Country</a></em>. <p>Photo: &copy; AARON CHOWN/AFP via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/countess-of-wessex><strong>Sophie, Countess of Wessex</strong></a> assisted with preparing NHS meals on April 15 at rhubarb, a premium hospitality company that manages private, charity and corporate events and restaurants. Sophie was actively involved in making spaghetti bolognese. <p>rhubarb’s CEO <strong>PB Jacobse</strong> said: <p>"Over the past two weeks rhubarb has been working with Marshall Wace’s - Mealforce and Helpforce - charity to provide thousands of NHS meals every day. The hospitals we are supporting are St Bartholomew’s, Royal London Hospital, Newham Hospital, Mile End Hospital and Whips Cross Hospital. Meals are freshly prepared, cooked and delivered each day. <p>"Countess of Wessex offered her time to help prepare these NHS meals. We were delighted to welcome her on Wednesday 15TH April to our humble kitchens, where she joined our team and worked diligently with our chef brigade to prepare food for our heroic NHS Hospital Teams." <p>Photo: &copy; rhubarb Ltd
<a href=/tags/0/king-willem-alexander><strong>King Willem-Alexander</strong></a> of the Netherlands interacted with a pupil during a visit to De Fontein primary school in The Hague on April 15. <p>The class is made up of students whose parents have vital professions and are working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The <a href=/tags/0/dutch-royals><strong>Dutch royal</strong></a>'s visit was focused on the consequences in primary education related to the coronavirus outbreak. <p>Photo: &copy; SEM VAN DER WAL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
The <a href=/tags/0/sarah-ferguson><strong>Duchess of York</strong></a> started a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfVf4WCcovih_4_3JRqklNg">YouTube channel</a> on April 15, where she plans to host a daily story time session to keep youngsters occupied and learning while they're isolating at home with their parents during the coronavirus pandemic. <p>It's a brilliant idea considering Sarah has written more than 20 books for children! <p>Photo: &copy; YouTube
<strong><a href="/tags/0/meghan-markle">Duchess Meghan</a></strong> showed her support for <strong><a href="/tags/0/the-hubb-community-kitchen">The Hubb Community Kitchen</a></strong>'s new campaign to provide food to hungry Londoners during the COVID-19 pandemic. <p>A video of her Zoom call meeting on April 14 with the women of the London-based group was shared to bring attention to the new cause. <p>"The spirit of the Hubb Community Kitchen has always been one of caring, giving back, and helping those in need, initially in Grenfell and now throughout the U.K.," the duchess said in a statement. "A home-cooked meal from one neighbor to another, when they need it most, is what community is all about. <p>"I'm so proud of the women of The Hubb Community Kitchen and the continued support the Felix Project gives them to carry out these acts of goodwill – which, at this moment in time, are urgently needed. <p>"I'm equally moved by the many people who are contributing to the Evening Standard's campaign to raise money for these vital organizations in the wake of COVID-19." <p>Photo: &copy; Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Over the <a href=/tags/0/easter><strong>Easter</strong></a> weekend, <a href=/tags/0/prince-harry><strong>Prince Harry</strong></a> made a video call to families of vulnerable children to learn how they are coping during COVID-19. It was part of his work with his <a href=/tags/0/wellchild><strong>WellChild</strong></a> patronage. <p>"I know that WellChild are doing everything they can to support you. Hopefully, through this video we can make it more clear and obvious to government and everybody else that you are in the 'vulnerable' bracket and WellChild needs more help," the duke said. <p>"It is really nice to see you all smiling and happy. Keep going, keep the morale up, keep busy, keep being creative, dare yourself to try new hobbies and I hope to see you all again very, very soon!" <p>Photo: &copy; Twitter/@WellChild
On April 8, <a href=/tags/0/prince-william><strong>Prince William</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton><strong>Duchess Kate</strong></a> surprised students and staff at Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley, England on April 8 with a Zoom call. <p>The school is located near Burnley General Hospital, and many students have parents who are health care workers that are battling COVID-19. Casterton Primary Academy has stayed open during the coronavirus pandemic so it can be a hub of sorts for five other schools in the area. <p><a href=/tags/0/prince-william-and-kate><strong>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge</strong></a> expressed their gratitude during the call and no doubt provided a morale boost. <p>Photo: &copy; Instagram/kensingtonroyal
<a href=/tags/0/king-philippe><strong>King Philippe</strong></a> of Belgium visited the extended COVID-19 unit at the UZ Brussel (University Hospital Brussels) in Brussels on April 8. <p>Photo: &copy; Didier Lebrun/Photonews/Getty Images
Also on April 8, <a href=/tags/0/queen-maxima><strong>Queen Máxima</strong></a> visited transport company Pieter Smit in Nieuw Vennep to see its coronavirus-related work. <p>Photo: &copy; Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/camilla-parker-bowles><strong>Duchess Camilla</strong></a> conducted a "check-in and chat" call on April 7 as part of her NHS Volunteer Responder program work. <p>Photo: &copy; Instagram/clarencehouse
<a href=/tags/0/queen-elizabeth-ii><strong>The Queen</strong></a> addressed the United Kingdom and Commonwealth in a historic speech related to the impact of COVID-19 on April 5. <p>"Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it," Her Majesty said. <p>Photo: &copy; Twitter/@theroyalfamily
<a href=/tags/0/queen-maxima><strong>Queen Máxima</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/king-willem-alexander><strong>King Willem-Alexander</strong></a> visited the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) in Haarlemmermeer for a briefing about the fight against COVID-19 on April 3. <p>Photo: &copy; Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
On March 31, <a href=/tags/0/queen-maxima><strong>Queen Máxima</strong></a> spoke with volunteers from the Red Cross in Loenen to hear about how they have been impacted by COVID-19. <p>Photo: &copy; ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
The Dutch Queen also stepped out to Zuidbaak floriculture company in Honselersdijk on March 27 to find out about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the industry. <p>Photo: &copy; Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/king-felipe><strong>King Felipe</strong></a> of Spain visited an emergency hospital in Madrid on March 26 where he met with front line health workers, took a tour and gave a speech. <p>Photo: &copy; Casa de S.M. el Rey Spanish Royal Household via Getty Images
<a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton><strong>Duchess Kate</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/prince-william><strong>Prince William</strong></a> (not pictured) made a private visit to a NHS 111 control room in Croydon on March 19 to show their support to the staff working tirelessly during the coronavirus pandemic. <p>Photo: © Twitter.com/@KensingtonPalace
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