Pride of Britain Awards: The Duchess Praises "Bravery & Selflessness" of Frontline Workers

The Pride of Britain Awards are always a special event on the calendar -- a night to celebrate truly remarkable and inspiring people across the UK. 2020 has been a year like no other, and in turn, this year's awards have taken on additional significance as everyday heroes came to the fore in so many ways. Last week, we saw a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge filming a segment for their awards, and this evening it can be revealed the royal couple presented a prestigious award to NHS workers who have endeavoured tirelessly in the battle against the pandemic over the past seven months.

During Sunday's ceremony, we'll hear the Duchess praise the "bravery and selflessness" of frontline workers, adding, "Many have had to leave their families for weeks on end, some have come out of retirement to help, while others have stepped into new roles to play their part in the fight against coronavirus. It is not just the medical teams; all NHS staff have played a crucial role through this time. During lockdown, we joined people up and down the country to applaud the NHS and our key workers each week.  Their hard work still goes on and we remain indebted to them for all they do." William said, "The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us as a nation of how much we owe to the thousands of NHS workers who have gone far beyond the call of duty this year. They have worked tirelessly around the clock, with humility and compassion, in the most challenging of circumstances, putting their own lives on the line to help others."

People reports:

'The six representatives were (from Barts Health Trust) Keisha Mills, an intensive care matron, Marion Jones, a health care assistant, and Dr. Simon Finney, an intensive care consultant, and (from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust) Heder Lopes Landim, a porter at Barnet Hospital; Martha Sarpong, an ITU support nurse, and Charlotte Greenfield, a critical care physical therapist.

Martha Sarpong, an ITU support nurse who was redeployed to Barnet Hospital, said she told Kate she had three young children too. "Kate asked me: 'How do you cope with the homeschooling?' I said: 'Thank God my husband is a teacher.'"

"They were asking how we were coping generally with covid and we explained what we did and how our managers supported us."'

The piece was hosted by veteran ITV presenter Kate Garraway who has experienced first hand how COVID-19 can affect those closest to you. Very sadly, Kate's husband Derek contracted the virus in March and remains hospitalised today. Speaking recently she said Derek is "stable", adding there are regular "ups and downs" and no certainty regarding the path ahead.

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'Martha said: "I have three young children and Kate asked me: 'How do you cope with the homeschooling?' I said: 'Thank God my husband is a teacher. They were asking how we were coping generally with COVID and we explained what we did and how our managers supported us."

Charlotte said: "It's incredibly flattering to be one of the people to receive the Pride of Britain award on behalf of the NHS. What was really nice was that the Duke and Duchess were asking us questions, they were genuinely interested. I don't think Prince William knew there was a different branch of physiotherapy in terms of respiratory, so I was explaining to him. I educated him a little on my role. I explained exactly how it had been. I kept using the word sweaty to him, but it really was. They were absolutely lovely and kept asking genuine questions."'

The awards will air on ITV, Sunday night at 9 pm. For our friends across the pond, I'll share videos once they are available. 

Winners on the night will include Captain Sir Tom Moore who touched the nation's hearts as he fundraised for frontline workers, raising a mammoth £100 million. Tom was knighted by the Queen in July. On Sunday, we'll see him receive a special Pride of Britain Award. 

The Duchess was in a navy and blue ensemble.

Kate wore her Smythe Duchess Wool Blazer for the occasion -- a piece that has been in her wardrobe for almost a decade. It's available in a pethora of colours at Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.

Kate's vivid blue blouse is the Lisou Betty Rainbow Print Silk Shirt (with many thanks to Emily). The £250 piece is described as: "Add a feminine touch to your wardrobe with this pretty voluminous puffed three quarter length sleeve style shirt in a gorgeous shade of rich blue. A stylish yet cute number that would flatter any shape. It has pretty rainbow prints and would look great paired with our matching Salome trousers for a city chic look."

The rainbow has been a defining symbol of support for the NHS.

More on the background of the brand which has been worn by Gwyneth Paltrow, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Charlize Theron:

'Lisou is a London-based fashion brand specialising in beautiful silk pieces with a twist. 

Having grown up in Tanzania, head designer Rene Macdonald moved to the UK at a young age but always travelled back and forth to Africa where her family were based, a place that continues to influence and inspire her. A former stylist, avid vintage collector and self-confessed bold dresser herself, Rene has a unique way of combining unexpected colours and creating vibrant prints which makes each of her pieces special and stand out.

The Lisou collection is full of wearable, classic shapes with a modern twist and are made from the finest silks. All prints are designed in-house by Rene, which makes every Lisou print exclusive. One of our core beliefs is to make a positive global impact; to that end we donate the proceeds from one piece per collection directly to helping young Africans with medical and educational needs.

In addition to this, we run an annual initiative in partnership with local schools supporting creative arts in our local community. We believe in quality above all else, and a return to the days of slow fashion and treasure box investment pieces. All our products are designed in London, finished in Portugal, and delivered directly to you.'

The Betty shirt is a staple piece in the collection. Below we see it in pink lily with a red lip print and navy silk.

It appears Kate accessorised with her Alia hoops from Spells of Love.

And her Amaia Kids face mask in yellow pepper.

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With George and Charlotte on half-term break from Thomas's Battersea, the Cambridge family did a spot of baking for a very good cause. In support of this year's annual Poppy Appeal, the family baked delicious poppy cakes which were delivered to the Royal British Legion's care workers over the weekend.

Care home residents enjoying the cakes.

We'll be discussing this year's Poppy Appeal in proper detail as we approach a very different Remembrance Sunday. We should hear details on how commemorations will unfold and the role the Royal family will play shortly. In the meantime, to find out more about plans for 2020, please click here.

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Speaking of activities with the children, People reports the Duchess recently brought George and Charlotte to the Imperial War Museum:

'Prince George and Princess Charlotte are being immersed in mom Kate's love of museums.

The children, who have regularly visited the dinosaur skeletons and other magical treasures at the Natural History Museum close to their Kensington Palace home, were recently taken by Kate, 38, to the Imperial War Museum in London.

The site, just south of the river Thames, teaches and commemorates the history of British valor and hardship from WWI to the present day. During the outing, Kate may have told her children of the wartime sacrifices made within her own family.'

And finally, Kensington Palace have asked people to share a photo with #HoldStill2020 if you come across artwork, a billboard or poster from the exhibition. They plan to feature several favourites at the end of the week.

Several of you mentioned an interest in purchasing a potential future book, exhibition catalogue or items which may become available. A selection of posters from the final 100 are now available for purchase on the NPG website. On an entirely separate note, if clicking in the direction of the National Portrait Gallery, their book on portraiture's role in capturing and celebrating love is a fabulous piece of work -- it's visually fascinating. If considering a gift for yourself or a loved one, I highly recommend it. It includes several royal love stories, too. Love Stories: Art, Passion & Tragedy is available here. It's reduced by £10 on Amazon at present.