Duchess of Cambridge surprises nurses on International Nurses' Day

The Duchess of Cambridge was among the royals calling nurses to celebrate International Nurses' Day on Tuesday.

• Duchess Catherine dialled in to a video call from her home in Norfolk
• She spoke to nurses from Australia, Sierra Leone, India, Malawi, the Bahamas, Cyprus and the UK
• Catherine was joined by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and other members of the royal family
• It follows royal news that the royal family have reunited for a special cause

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been passionately vocal about their support for the NHS and other key workers amid the coronavirus crisis, so it's no surprise that Catherine took the time to surprise nurses across the world to celebrate International Nurses' Day on Tuesday.

Catherine, 38, was joined by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, as they dialled into various video calls to chat to nurses working on the front line to beat the deadly virus.

They spoke to nurses in Queensland, Australia - who look after Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - as well as staff at the Aberdeen Women's Centre in Sierra Leone and staff working at LV Prasad Eye Institute in India.

But that wasn't the end of the surprise calls as they went on to speak to HIV and maternal health nurses in Malawi, Army nurses in Cyprus and mental health nurses in the Bahamas. Before finishing off the calls with an extra special one to Evelina London Children's Hospital and Community Services - where Catherine is patron.

Extending her sincere thanks for all their hard work both before and after coronavirus, Catherine said, "I don't know how you manage to do this and keep the show on the road despite the extra pressures you’re all under and the challenging conditions – it's just shown how vital the role that nurses play across the world. You should be so proud of the work that you do."

The special call was arranged by Nursing Now - an organisation supported by Catherine which aims to raise the profile and showcase the work of nurses across the world.

On why she wanted to be a part of the campaign, the Duchess added, "I wanted to thank the Nursing Now campaign very much for all you are doing to support nurses around the world during this hugely difficult time.

"The crucial, and often unsung, role that nurses play in global health care is needed now more than ever. In this, the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented challenges in the fight against the global pandemic.

"Often putting their lives at risk and separating from loved ones to protect them from harm, they are an inspiration to us all. We stand behind all nurses and commend their bravery."

Well said!