The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have written to Britain’s postal workers to thank them for helping families and friends keep in touch during the coronaviruslockdown.
In a letter addressed to “Everyone at Royal Mail”, the couple praised the “dedication, resilience and hard work” of postmen and women who have worked through the pandemic.
Prince Charles and Camilla said the value of postal workers “has never been more important” as “many people have taken the time to write a letter, or a card, to those from whom they are separated”.
“Receiving such a personal message at this difficult and anxious time can mean an enormous amount,” the royal couple wrote.
“We feel sure that a very large number of these special greetings will be treasured for years to come. They may even become a valuable resource for social historians in the future.
“Postmen and postwomen are trusted figures in our local communities. They are a constant presence in an ever-changing world. For some people, they are a point of daily human contact; a friendly, familiar face.”
Charles and Camilla went on to acknowledge the efforts many postal workers have gone to in order to keep community spirits high, writing: “Many of you, we know, have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of you. We have heard wonderful stories of postmen and postwomen checking on older and vulnerable residents, raising funds for good causes, even wearing fancy dress costumes to raise a smile.
“Today, as many people – ourselves included – are obliged to stay at home, Royal Mail plays an absolutely vital role in keeping family and friends in touch with one another. For that, we can only say how deeply grateful we are and send you our kindest wishes.”
The letter was signed off with “a big ‘thumbs up’ from us both”, and was collected by the couple’s local postman Neil from the doorstep of their Scottish residence Birkhall.
The Royal Mail has recently launched a Thumbs Up For Your Postie campaign to encourage customers to show their appreciation for postal workers.
The initiative urges people to give their postman or woman a "thumbs up" from a safe two-metre distance under social distancing rules.
The Royal Mail said the move is also a reminder for people not to reach out to try and take letters and parcels directly from posties to ensure the delivery is contact-free.
