A Celebration for Commonwealth Day: Duchess Kate Praises "Amazing" NHS

The Cambridges joined the Queen and other members of the Royal family for a special programme entitled A Celebration for Commonwealth Day, which aired on BBC One this evening. The programme saw the royals celebrate the day virtually as the annual service at Westminster Abbey had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Buckingham Palace said, "The Commonwealth represents a global network of 54 countries, and a vast community which spans every geographical region, religion and culture, embracing diversity amongst its population of 2.4 billion people. The Commonwealth theme for 2021 is ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming', celebrating the Commonwealth countries’ united efforts to achieve their common goals, including protecting natural resources, boosting trade, and delivering a peaceful, prosperous and more sustainable future for all."

The Cambridges spoke to charity and medical staff from Norfolk to hear more about their efforts over the past year. They heard how frontline workers were inspired to step up at a vital time for their communities, and the impact of their work amidst continuing challenges.

During the conversations the Duchess noted it is "sad, almost" that it has taken a global pandemic for the country to really rally round the "amazing" NHS. It's a feeling very much echoed on the ground, especially from those among us who have loved ones on the front line. The pandemic has served to highlight how invaluable the NHS is, and certainly opened discussion on areas within the service pre-pandemic, which went unsupported for too long. Kate made the remarks whilst speaking to healthcare worker campaigner Dr Zolelwa Sifumba, from South Africa, adding, "Here in the UK there’s been masses of public recognition of the amazing work the front line are doing and it's sad, almost, that it's taken the pandemic for the public to really back and support all those working on the front line." Dr Sifumba replied, "My advice to everybody is, if you know a healthcare worker, any healthcare worker, just love on them, love on them, love on them some more."

🇿🇦 Dr. Zolelwa Sifumba is working to advocate for healthcare workers and the importance of looking after those in the medical profession on the front line.

This #CommonwealthDay The Duke and Duchess spoke with medical, charity and voluntary staff from across the Commonwealth 🌍 pic.twitter.com/tE1ShYCzts

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 7, 2021

In her annual Commonwealth Day message, the Queen paid tribute to communities across all member nations who have pulled together throughout the crisis. Hailing the importance of "the spirit of unity" and "friendship", Her Majesty said, "Whilst experiences of the last year have been different across the Commonwealth, stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory."

From Westminster Abbey, the Prince of Wales praised the "extraordinary determination and courage" demonstrated throughout the Commonwealth. Charles also celebrated the critical work being carried out by member nations to combat climate change and protect its unique landscapes, marine environments and biodiversity. "We have learned that human health, economic health and planetary health are fundamentally interconnected and that pandemics, climate change and biodiversity loss are existential threats which know no borders."

The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to Clare Balding about her passion for books and the importance of reading. "Books have been part of my life for so long. I started reading when I was very, very young with a father who was a fervent bibliophile. From the age of two or three he used to sit and read to us children, take us on wonderful adventures." Camilla started a virtual book club, the Duchess of Cornwall's Reading Room at the beginning of the year. The Palace added, "Award winning teacher Ranjitsinh Disale joined the conversation in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner via video link from India to share the experiences of his own students in using literacy to boost confidence and expand their horizons while studying from home."

The Countess of Wessex spoke to women across the Commonwealth about the importance of supporting one another. The discussion marked both Commonwealth Day and International Women's Day.

The service can be viewed in its entirety here.

The Duchess wore her navy Emilia Wickstead dress -- first worn for the launch of the National Emergencies Trust in 2019.

Kate first sported the style in lavender and debuted it during an official visit to Germany.

It became so popular, the designer released it in three colours, aptly named 'Kate'. The £1,420 piece is described: "Emilia Wickstead's wool-crepe Kate dress is an elegantly versatile choice for the social season. It's tailored in the UK with a flattering boat neckline and long darts throughout the front and back of the bodice, then lined with black crepe to ensure a smooth fit."

Hello! shared an excellent Replikate for the dress - the Hobbs Lena dress. It's reduced to £69 at John Lewis.

Kate accessorised with a pair of pearl hoop earrings. There have been several solid suggestions, but no definitive ID yet.