Her Majesty pays tribute on National Day of Reflection

Her Majesty The Queen has paid tribute to frontline staff to commemorate Marie Curie's National Day of Reflection.
The National Day of Reflection, which is today (23 March), marks the anniversary of the first national lockdown in the UK.
The Queen has paid tribute to staff at St Bartholomew's Hospital with a bouquet of flowers and a message to mark the National Day of Reflection.
The bouquet of flowers, accepted by St Bartholomew's chief executive, Professor Charles Knight OBE, at a small handover ceremony in the hospital's historic square, were delivered from Windsor with a note that said:

As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.

Elizabeth R

The bouquet is made up of iris, tulips, mixed narcissi (mini daffodils) and ranunculus.
Professor Knight said:
"I would like to thank Her Majesty for these beautiful flowers, and I'm delighted to accept the bouquet on behalf of the hospital and for everyone being remembered on this day of national reflection.

"I would like to thank all our staff at St Bartholomew's for going above and beyond to care for our patients and support one another during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"These flowers are for you and represent all that you continue to do every day – I'm in awe of you."

Marie Curie Nurse Clare Horgan, who provides end of life care in the community, said:

"On behalf of Marie Curie, I would like to thank Her Majesty The Queen for her thoughtful words and kind gesture of support for the National Day of Reflection. I've been supporting dying people and their families in the community since the start of the pandemic and know how important today will be for those who are going through bereavement.

"We hope that today will provide everyone with the time and space to reflect on the last year and to show their support to someone who is grieving at this difficult time."

Staff across Barts Health will come together for a minute's silence at midday to reflect on the past year and remember those who have died and those that continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At 8pm, buildings and landmarks across the UK, will be lit-up yellow for the millions who are grieving and to shine as a beacon of hope and support. Marie Curie is encouraging people to get involved by shining their light - standing on their doorsteps with a candle or small light.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact alex.londono@nhs.net or media@mariecurie.org.uk .
Background
The National Day of Reflection

On the anniversary of the first UK lockdown, end of life charity Marie Curie – along with many others, mark The National Day of Reflection.
Marie Curie estimates that over 6 million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began, and many have been unable to say goodbye to loved ones or even had the opportunity to grieve properly. The day will provide the nation with an opportunity to take a 'minute to reflect and a moment to connect'. It gives communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and look towards a brighter future.
At 12noon, a minute's silence will be held to reflect on those who have died during the pandemic, and to take a moment to show support to someone who is grieving.
At approximately 8pm, buildings and landmarks across the UK, will be lit-up yellow for the millions who are grieving and to shine as a beacon of hope and support. Marie Curie is encouraging people to get involved by shining their light - standing on their doorsteps with a candle or small light.