In an emotional gesture of thanks to those who are putting their own lives at risk, ordinary citizens joined celebrities and political leaders across the UK in a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8 pm last night.
And without doubt, one of the most touching videos came from the Instagram account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, who posted a clip of their three children George, Charlotte and Louis, joining in the clapping.
To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by #COVID19: thank you.#ClapForOurCarers #ClapForNHS pic.twitter.com/XnaUPJyDoX
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 26, 2020
After testing positive for the disease, Prince Charles joined in the nationwide thank you in what was his first appearance since being tested. The 71-year-old heir to the throne was seen at Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Charles is self-isolating as the Duchess of Cornwall has tested negative for the virus - she was pictured clapping from another room.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak also joined in the touching tribute from No 10 Downing Street while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted a message on their Instagram story, writing: "Thank you for all that you continue to do! Applauding you from across the pond."
On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank all the incredible nurses, doctors, NHS support staff & carers who are working flat out to fight coronavirus ???? #ClapForOurCarers #ClapForNHS
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 26, 2020
To help them, and protect the NHS, we need everyone to stay at home #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/kpdQ5KHQiy
On the celebrity front, Daniel Craig was one of a slew of the rich and famous to film themselves clapping.
Thank you to everyone, everywhere, who is working to keep us safe. #ClapForOurCarers #ClapForCarers #ClapForNHS pic.twitter.com/muULcU2vvy
— James Bond (@007) March 26, 2020
The idea came from the organisers of the Clap for Carers Campaign, the online initiative brought a nation together under lockdown. Social media has been inundated with thousands of Brits posting their clips of the emotional mass clap.
Only cool thing I have seen in a while...My whole apartment block cheering for the NHS workers and everybody doing there bit #clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/mVbx6Mhrjc
— Karl Dowling (@Karldowling89) March 26, 2020
Famous landmarks such as the Wembley Arch, Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral were also lit up in tribute to the NHS.
Meanwhile, South Africa has officially started its 21-day lockdown, we can only wish those on the frontline of our medical services the very best for the long and unprecedented road ahead.
