UK's Prince William and family thank key workers at Christmas pantomime

Britain's Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at London's Palladium Theatre, London December 11, 2020. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS

Britain's Prince William and wife Kate took their three young children to a special pantomime performance on Friday to meet and thank health workers, delivery drivers and volunteers for their efforts during the pandemic.

William, second in line to the British throne, delivered a short speech to thank the workers from across Britain who had supported communities and battled to keep the country operating earlier this year.

The grandson of Queen Elizabeth and Kate embarked on a short national tour earlier this week to meet and thank frontline workers, care home staff and teachers for their efforts during the pandemic.

Britain's Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at London's Palladium Theatre, London December 11, 2020. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS

On Friday the couple arrived walking down a red carpet with their three young children - George, Charlotte and Louis - who stopped to watch actors dressed as elves waving and juggling.

They later watched the performance staring the actor and comedian Julian Clary and singer Elaine Paige.

Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talk to Dom Warren and family, Dom is the founder of Doms Food Mission, as they attend a special pantomime performance hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at London's Palladium Theatre, London December 11, 2020. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS

(Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)

Britain's Prince William prepares to give a speech on stage as he attends a special pantomime performance hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at London's Palladium Theatre, London December 11, 2020. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS

Britain's Prince William gives a speech on stage as he attends a special pantomime performance hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at London's Palladium Theatre, London, Britain December 11, 2020. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS