Queen Awards UK Health Service on Its 73rd Anniversary

Queen Elizabeth has awarded the U.K.’s highest civilian award for gallantry to the National Health Service, offering a handwritten message of because of the general public organization and its workers on its 73rd anniversary.

In a message written on Windsor Castle stationery, the monarch said it gave her great pleasure to offer the award from a grateful nation. NHS staff are lauded throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for working tirelessly to save lots of lives and vaccinate the general public amid an epidemic that has killed quite 128,000 people, the foremost in Europe.

“Over quite seven decades, and particularly in recent times, you’ve got supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the very best standards of public service,’’ the queen wrote. “You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation.”

The award came as Britain prepared for a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to commemorate the general public healthcare service’s founding and honor workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. Among those participating are the doctor who treated the U.K.’s first known victims of the virus, the nurse who delivered the primary dose of vaccine and vaccine scientist Sarah Gilbert, who designed the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Duchess of Cambridge was forced to cancel plans to attend because she is self-isolating after coming in close contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19. Prince William, the Duchess’s husband, contracted the disease last spring.

“Her Royal Highness isn’t experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating reception ,” Kensington Palace said during a statement Monday.

The George Cross was created by the queen’s father, King George VI , at the peak of the Blitz in 1940 to honor “acts of the best heroism or of the foremost courage in circumstances of utmost danger.”

This is only the third time the George Cross has been awarded to a collective entity. Malta was honored in 1942 for the fortitude displayed by its citizens when the island was besieged by Nazi forces. The Royal Ulster Constabulary received the award in 1999 for the bravery of its officers and their families during the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that killed quite 3,000 people over three decades.