Britain Owes You

Coronavirus crisis: salute to nhs on its 72nd birthday royals, celebs and leaders say thank you for sacrifice

- Tom Parry, Pippa Crerar And Russell Myers

The nation united once more last night to honour our health service heroes – after the toughest four months in NHS history.

As frontline emergency workers were loudly applauded on the 72nd birthday of the service, senior figures demanded that their courageous efforts be rewarded with better pay.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid tribute to nurses, doctors, paramedics and auxiliary staff as they met with nurse Suzie Vaughan and her daughters Hettie, 7, and Bella, 9. A video of the family reuniting after nine weeks apart due to her work with Covid-19 patients was seen by millions last month.

It came amid reports NHS England has asked for an extra £10billion to cope with the costs of coronavirus.

The royal couple dropped in on a celebratory tea party at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

In their first joint post lockdown engagement they met staff and volunteers in a marquee, marking 40 years of the hospital.

Kate told Suzie: “You did a really good job. It’s amazing how everybody pulled together.” Wills told Suzie and chief nurse Libby McManus: “Everyone appreciated what you do. The NHS is a fantastic organisation.” Kate added: “We miss this. You forget how much you like to make relationships.” Wills said: “We don’t know what we’d have done without Zoom. We spoke to Canada, New Zealand, everywhere.”

The 5pm tribute was broadcast live on several TV channels, with David Beckham among stars saying thanks.