Royals Lead by Example During COVID-19 Crisis

In times of crisis, people worldwide turn to their country’s leaders and role models for reassurance and instruction on how to proceed in the unknown territory we are currently living in around the globe.

Royals, especially those in England, have long supported their monarch in his/her state and national duties by fulfilling crucial roles in areas of public and charitable service, which has remained especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this ongoing world health emergency, they have gone above and beyond to serve and set good examples either by their magnanimous acts and donations or through appearances and speeches, which boost morale and unite communities.

In May, just two short months after COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, like troops, royals continued to send in the reinforcements. Kate Middleton and daughter Princess Charlotte, as well as Princess Eugenie, were all photographed doing their part by packing and delivering food to those in need. Kate and Charlotte gave bags of goods to isolated pensioners, while Princess Eugenie and her husband worked on filling carts with shelf-stable food to be sent to the Salvation Army’s food banks across the United Kingdom. Others have eagerly stepped forward in similar ways.Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer royals, they were still generous with their support of local communities and delivered meals to the ill in Los Angeles. The proactive couple has been volunteering with Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that provides free meals for people who are often confined, without adequate provisions, and their circumstances are unsustainable. In some ways, the outreach became a family affair; Sophie, Countess of Wessex, joined several restaurants and catering companies by preparing thousands of meals for the Nightingale North East Hospital (NHS) workers, serving those who are serving!

Delivering food and other essentials has been a popular way for royals, all over the world, to stay involved with their respective communities and contribute in ways that lend a much needed helping hand to meet the great need of each region. The Swedes provided their support; in fact, Princess Sofia of Sweden completed a three-day medical emergency training course to volunteer at the Sophiahemmet hospital in Stockholm, tasked with many fundamental duties such as disinfecting equipment, cleaning, and even working in the kitchen (photo on page 36). On their unremitting quest to commission their well-intentioned efforts, various royals have also donated money to COVID-19 related causes. The Duke of Westminster (and Prince George’s Godfather), Hugh Grosvenor, granted nearly £25 million to numerous coronavirus relief enterprises. Even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle donated more than $100,000 to Feeding Britain, which helps secure food for families struggling during the crisis.

As time progressed and spring became summer, Kate, always enthusiastic and diligent, remained tirelessly engaged, representing the most famous royal family in the world as she is never above doing the work. Continuing her mission, she unpacked supplies and spoke with families at a baby bank in Sheffield. Baby Basics baby banks are predominately operated by volunteers in the UK and are a vital resource for empowering and aiding many families amid their insolvency.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s charity organization established a fund of about $2 million to benefit frontline workers in Britain. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have also made many appearances over the last couple of months. In early September, the pair visited an East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel to meet with volunteers who have worked to support their community members throughout the pandemic. Additionally, they were photographed with the Beaver Scouts when they lent a sympathetic ear and learned how they adapted during COVID-19. And, the royal couple recently joined pupils from Islamabad Model College for Girls via video call to play a Pictionary game. Engaging with people, especially younger populations, in positive and enjoyable ways like this has undoubtedly had a substantial impact on the collective morale. COVID-19 has been their primary focus over the past ten months, but they have also been keeping up with other significant world events unrelated to the Coronavirus. For instance, in early October, William and Kate’s benevolence seems to be ubiquitous as they spoke with a first responder from Kangaroo Island in South Australia via video about the impact of January’s incredibly devastating wildfires.

The amalgamated altruistic actions of the royal families have proven to be extraordinarily encouraging while simultaneously representing a quintessential beacon of hope. Thus, these acts of kindness have played a significant role in the challenging unchartered course of 2020.

Equally harkening to those less fortunate, Spain is to be commended for their never-ending philanthropy. King Felipe and Queen Letizia have a heart for a huge variety of charitable causes.

They recently visited the NGO headquarters of 'Aldeas Infantiles,' a noble nonprofit committed to supporting impoverished families and protecting at-risk children. Organizations like these are an absolute necessity, and an illuminating incandescent light should be accentuating their interminable endeavors during such insurmountable arduous times.

Inspiration perseveres in a multitude of ways. Prince Charles' wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, did her part by meeting with students, teaching them the benefits of interacting with horses at the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, to complement Kate's undertakings.

The royals press on with determination to set an example about the immeasurable value of maintaining high spirits during this trying time and also about the rudimentary safety of protective gear like masks, which they have been willingly wearing in public.

As the entire world has been affected and started to adapt to a new way of life due to the Coronavirus, royals have played an indispensable role in providing physical, monetary, and emotional support to their communities and globally. They have made a tangible impact on countless lives while symbolizing hope and grace while doing it.