“We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally. How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now.”
“Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle.”
The post then explained that the Sussexes will be keeping the public up to date with useful information and resources, while also sharing “inspiring stories” that highlight “how so many of you around the world are connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up.”
The video that followed shortly after on the @kensingtonroyal account had a much more formal tone, with Prince William addressing the pandemic and reminding followers, "Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the U.K. have a unique ability to pull together."
"The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature," he added, with reference to the National Emergencies Trust’s coronavirus appeal efforts.
"The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channeled in the best possible way — which is why the establishment of the National Emergencies Trust was so important," he said.
Prince William’s video marks the first official statement from the British monarchy and was reposted on the @theroyalfamily‘s Instagram page. Earlier this month while on tour with Kate Middleton, Prince William made a joke in poor taste that the couple had spread the virus.
"I bet everyone’s like, 'I've got coronavirus, I’m dying,' and you’re like, 'No, you’ve just got a cough,'" he said. "It does seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment. Is it being a little bit hyped up, do you think, in the media?"
"By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus. Sorry!" William said. "We’re keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop."
