His Royal Highness, Prince Charles has recorded a video message of support for the state of Victoria as it battles to bring its second wave of COVID-19 cases under control.
The 71-year-old, who himself endured a bout of coronavirus after testing positive back in March, sent his “special thoughts” to Victorians in the footage released today by the Governor of Victoria, saying he’d always felt a “special fondness” for the state.
“Having spent six very happy months there at school 54 years ago and having had a chance to explore various parts of the state,” the Prince said.
“From being able to live among you and then to have the good fortune to revisit your marvellous state, I know that Victorians, like all Australians, are tenacious and resilient, or indeed as you might say in Australia, ‘made of tough stuff’”.
“My wife and I have endless admiration for your seemingly unceasing capacity for good humour in the face of great hardship.”
The future king referenced Australia’s bushfire battles this year, saying the nation and in particular Victoria had been “sorely tested” in 2020.
“I can only imagine just how incredibly hard it must have been for you all,” he said.
“To have such early success in combatting the virus, you now find yourselves in the midst of this second wave with all of its heartbreaking consequences.
“Having experienced this virus myself, my heart goes out to all those currently battling the disease.
“Those caring for them, either at home or in your first class health care system, and those who have so tragically lost their loved ones… I do know how much of a toll this tragic pandemic must have taken on so many of you.
“I know too that a great number of essential workers… are doing a remarkable and utterly vital job in such very difficult and challenging circumstances.”
He ended the video message with some words of support and hope from himself and wife, Camilla.
“To all of you, I just wanted to say on behalf of my wife and myself that you are so much in our special thoughts at what is a tremendously tough and frustrating time and we care deeply for what you are having to go through.”
“All I can say, however inadequate this may seem under such unprecedented circumstances, is that these difficult, often soul-destroying days will surely pass, and we have no doubt that Victoria will emerge stronger than ever.”