The Prince of Wales, Patron of Marie Curie supports National Day of Reflection
Press release published
The Prince of Wales, Patron of Marie Curie, has recorded a video message in support of Marie Curie's, The National Day of Reflection, taking place on Tuesday 23rd March 2021.
Reflecting on the last year, The Prince of Wales said:
"We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen."
The Prince concluded:
"Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times."
Chief Executive of Marie Curie, Matthew Reed said:
"I am immensely grateful to our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales for affirming that today is the opportunity for us all to take time to reflect and think about the unprecedented loss we're facing, to take a moment to support each other through grief, and to look to the future together.
"Communities across the UK have come together to support one another during these most challenging of times, and it is that sense of community that will help many now find healing in the future as well."
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 1200HRS, 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 2000HRS, 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.
Background
The Prince of Wales has been Patron of Marie Curie since 2003.
During a visit to Wales in 2020 The Prince attended the Marie Curie Hospice in Cardiff and the Vale where HRH met with patients, families, staff and volunteers, and signed the charity's Great Big Daffodil, as part of its annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
The Prince celebrated the charity's 60th anniversary in 2019, when he visited Marie Curie's Liverpool Hospice, where he met with patients and their families including actor Alison Steadman, whose mother was cared for by the charity.
The Prince continues to support those on the front line during the Pandemic. Most recently His Royal Highness visited Finsbury Park Mosque with The Duchess of Cornwall to thank volunteers and staff and to support work being done to tackle vaccine hesitancy amongst the local community.
Video Message
This video message will appear on mariecurie.org.uk/day-of-reflection on Tuesday morning. It is available for publication or broadcast at the below link.
Video Message Download Link: https://we.tl/t-OB8HeXlaaz
Footage should be credited to Clarence House. Please find the full transcript attached.
If you have any questions, please contact rebecca.gavin@royal.uk or media@mariecurie.org.uk
MARIE CURIE – THE NATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION
VIDEO MESSAGE SCRIPT
Ladies and gentleman,
Over the past year, our country has been through a trial which has tested our resolve and our resilience in countless ways.
We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
We are emerging from this time with a renewed confidence in one another and with a strengthened faith in our society - richly diverse in its many communities and cultures, but united in its commitment to the common good and the welfare of others, particularly those most vulnerable.
As we do so, it is right that we pause to remember those whose lives have been so tragically cut short. As Patron of Marie Curie, I am so very proud that this charity, which does so much to help people at the end of their lives, has taken a lead in helping the entire country cope with losses we had never foreseen, but must never forget.
Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.
-ENDS-