A Buckingham Palace source said that the Queen's decision to send a handwritten message "was a sign of her personal commitment and support for this award".
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The Queen has awarded the George Cross to the NHS, making public a handwritten note in which she thanks staff for their “courage, compassion and dedication” over the last 73 years.
This coincides with the Duke of Cambridge attending a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and hosting an NHS Big Tea at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess will not be performing any royal duties because she is self-isolating.
What is the George Cross Award?
The George Cross is the UK’s highest award for gallantry and heroism. Instituted by the Queen’s father during the blitz in 1940, it has only been awarded to a collective body, country or organisation on two other occasions.
NHS England said staff would be “at the heart” of the thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Source: Tom Clabon, City News.
In her handwritten message, the Queen wrote: “It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.”
“This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.”
Details regarding the presentation of the award will be confirmed at a later date, though according to reports, it is likely the ceremony will take place in autumn.
Praise and Recognition
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the award recognised the “skill and fortitude” of staff.
He says that it is clear his staff’s work during the pandemic has made the award all the more deserved now.
Praise has been pouring in on Twitter too, with newly appointed Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeting: “After a year where it has contributed so much and on its 73rd birthday – it is fantastic that the NHS has been awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty the Queen.”
“Thank you to all those who work in the NHS.”
After a year where it has contributed so much and on its 73rd birthday – it is fantastic that the NHS has been awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty the Queen.
The NHS is receiving the award at a time when its 1.4 million staff members are combating the effects of the most difficult period in its 73 year history.
Analysis by Reporter Tom Clabon
The Queen’s decision to award the George Cross to the NHS demonstrates how tough the last 18 months has been for the organisation.
After all, the NHS has treated over 400,000 patients and administered 78 million vaccines across the UK, to date.
This decision, made on the advice of George Cross Committee and the Prime Minister, also shows how indebted the Royal household and Government feels to the NHS.
The Queen’s decision is also significant, considering this is only the third time it has been given to a collective body, country or organisation, rather than an individual.
This award was instituted by the Queen’s father, King George VI in 1940, during the height of the Blitz in World War Two. The awards are given for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”.
In 1942, the George Cross was given to Malta in recognition of the heroism displayed by the island’s inhabitants during enemy bombardments in World War Two and in 1999; the Queen, herself awarded the Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland, in recognition of the force’s bravery.
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HeadlineThe Queen awards the George Cross to NHS to mark health service’s 73rd birthday
Short HeadlineQueen gives George Cross to NHS to mark 73rd birthday
StandfirstThe Duke of Cambridge is attending a service at St Paul’s Cathedral to honour the anniversary.
The Queen has awarded the George Cross to the NHS, making public a handwritten note in which she thanks staff for their “courage, compassion and dedication” over the last 73 years.
This coincides with the Duke of Cambridge attending a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and hosting an NHS Big Tea at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess will not be performing any royal duties because she is self-isolating.
What is the George Cross Award?
The George Cross is the UK’s highest award for gallantry and heroism. Instituted by the Queen’s father during the blitz in 1940, it has only been awarded to a collective body, country or organisation on two other occasions.
NHS England said staff would be “at the heart” of the thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Source: Tom Clabon, City News.
In her handwritten message, the Queen wrote: “It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.”
“This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.”
Details regarding the presentation of the award will be confirmed at a later date, though according to reports, it is likely the ceremony will take place in autumn.
Praise and Recognition
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the award recognised the “skill and fortitude” of staff.
He says that it is clear his staff’s work during the pandemic has made the award all the more deserved now.
Praise has been pouring in on Twitter too, with newly appointed Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeting: “After a year where it has contributed so much and on its 73rd birthday – it is fantastic that the NHS has been awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty the Queen.”
“Thank you to all those who work in the NHS.”
After a year where it has contributed so much and on its 73rd birthday – it is fantastic that the NHS has been awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty the Queen.
The NHS is receiving the award at a time when its 1.4 million staff members are combating the effects of the most difficult period in its 73 year history.
Analysis by Reporter Tom Clabon
The Queen’s decision to award the George Cross to the NHS demonstrates how tough the last 18 months has been for the organisation.
After all, the NHS has treated over 400,000 patients and administered 78 million vaccines across the UK, to date.
This decision, made on the advice of George Cross Committee and the Prime Minister, also shows how indebted the Royal household and Government feels to the NHS.
The Queen’s decision is also significant, considering this is only the third time it has been given to a collective body, country or organisation, rather than an individual.
This award was instituted by the Queen’s father, King George VI in 1940, during the height of the Blitz in World War Two. The awards are given for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”.
In 1942, the George Cross was given to Malta in recognition of the heroism displayed by the island’s inhabitants during enemy bombardments in World War Two and in 1999; the Queen, herself awarded the Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland, in recognition of the force’s bravery.
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