Prince William's First in-Person Engagement of the Year 2021

Rebecca English Twitter

The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, today visited a vaccination centre at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange in Norfolk. It was William's first in-person engagement of the year 2021 and British Royal Family's second. Last week Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall undertook the first in-person engagement. 

Kensington Palac

Prince William, who is currently residing at Cambridge family's country residence Anmer Hall with the Duchess of Cambridge and their three children, paid a tribute to the incredible efforts and dedication of the staff involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout through the visit. Welcoming The Duke at the centre, the chief executive of CCS Matthew Winn wrote on Twitter,

"I was delighted to welcome the Duke of Cambridge at the vaccination centre in King's Lynn today. I am so proud of the immense efforts our NHS Staff and army of volunteers have shown as we roll out this life saving COVID vaccine programme."

During the visit, William learnt from NHS staff and volunteers about their experiences of being involved in the largest vaccination programme in British history. The vaccination centre is being organised by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust. He spoke to NHS staff, volunteers and people receiving their jabs. Nurse Sandra Laycock who undertakes clinical assessments to ensure it's safe to deliver the Covid Vaccine to individuals said, “The Duke was really interested in all we're doing here to protect people & help them return to a more normal way of life in the future.” 

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Cambridge himself suffered from COVID-19 last year. Talking to the staff he told them, while he is patiently waiting for his turn for the vaccine as per the government guidelines on the roll out, when his turn comes, he would be at the front of the queue to be jabbed to show people how easy it is to have it done.

 

Kensington Palace

 

The Duke also met and spoke with a number of people receiving their vaccine that day. The Palace said, "Delivering thousands of vaccines every week, the NHS staff and volunteers involved in the rollout here and across the UK, have shown incredible dedication throughout."

The Royal Family

During the visit, William gave an update on his Grandfather's health. He told veteran Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards, "Yes, he’s ok, they’re keeping an eye on him".