Prince William & Kate Middleton Just Video-Chatted With BC Hospital Staff (VIDEO)

The royal duo had tons of praise for Canada's healthcare workers.
Managing Editor, Canada

It's not every day you get to video-chat with the Royal Family! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a message for Canada’s frontline workers this week, in honour of Canada Day. When Prince William and Kate spoke to hospital staff in B.C., the royal duo asked questions about their experiences on the frontline.

Staff members from Surrey Memorial Hospital were greeted by two very famous faces this week, when Prince William and Kate Middleton called them up for a video chat!

To mark Canada Day, the royal couple spoke to six hospital workers about their recent experiences of COVID-19, and applauded them for their efforts during the pandemic.

One employee explained the difficulties of caring for patients without their family nearby, a change which she described as “a really big struggle.”

In response, Kate asked, "You guys see that and feel that on a daily basis. How do you manage yourselves? Are you all okay?"

She added, “It's an amazing role that you're playing and a hugely tough one as well. We're in huge admiration of everything you're doing."

The staff members addressed the mental health struggles they’ve experienced during the pandemic, and spoke about how they’ve been relying on each other to get through the toughest times.

"Catherine and I are proud of all of you and of everyone on the frontline who has led the way very stoically and very bravely, and put patient care right at the top of the list," Prince William told the group. 

"You've done a fantastic job," he added.

The Duke and Duchess concluded the video call by saying that they’d like to visit Canada soon, so they can thank the country's healthcare workers in person.

This isn’t the first time that Prince William and Kate have made moves to celebrate Canada Day.

Back in 2011, the couple spent July 1 at Parliament Hill, joining in all of the national celebrations. 

They returned in 2016, with their two children, taking the time to visit Haida Gwaii and the Yukon region.

Kate and William clearly aren’t the only members of the Royal Family to have an affinity for Canada.

Earlier this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle actually moved to Canada for a short while, before eventually settling in Los Angeles.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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