Queen supports her cousin’s fight against Covid-19 on Twitter

The Queen shares support for her cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, in his work against Covid-19

SALISBURY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks with staff during a visit to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down science park on October 15, 2020 near Salisbury, England. The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) where they were to view displays of weaponry and tactics used in counter intelligence, a demonstration of a Forensic Explosives Investigation and meet staff who were involved in the Salisbury Novichok incident. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness also formally opened the new Energetics Analysis Centre.
(Image credit: Ben Stansall/ WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen has shared an update on the Duke of Gloucester’s contribution to the Covid-19 response efforts on social media.

The Royal Family Twitter account announced on Tuesday that Prince Richard, the Queen’s cousin, has been in correspondence with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the current pandemic. 

The Duke is photographed in the post, speaking on the telephone to Major General Alan Hawley. Although the details of the call were not revealed, the Royal Family confirmed that the subject matter was the involvement of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in the fight against Covid-19. 

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The Duke, who was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the RAMC in 2003, has been praised for being the ‘backbone’ of the Royal Family. As a full-time working member of the family, he is highly engaged in public service. Aged 76, the Duke continues to fulfil his royal duties, which include supporting over 150 charities. He is the Queen’s right hand man when it comes to international engagements, having represented Her Majesty multiple times overseas. 

Although he is currently isolating at Kensington Palace, he has no plans to quit work anytime soon. The army patron has reportedly mastered virtual communication, and is conducting his duties via telephone and video conferencing. His endeavours are shared by his wife, the Duchess of Gloucester, who had also been a travelling royal representative before lockdown. 

“They showed throughout 2020 that the challenges of the pandemic would do nothing to stop their devotion to duty,” Lydia Scott of the Royal Central commented. 

The Duke has also been praised on social media for their continued efforts in spite of the lockdown. 

“He has been doing such an amazing work representing the institution for years!” one Twitter user commented. 

We hope the Duke and Duchess can resume their in-person appearances sooner rather than later, but for now, it looks like they’re having no issues with remote working. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.