This year’s Commonwealth Day is going to be different from the traditional Monday Service and a long list of events marking the day celebrating the union of 54 nations. This year Westminster Abbey and BBC are hosting a special program ‘A Celebration For Commonwealth Day’ that will be broadcasted this Sunday on BBC One at 5 PM. The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Countess of Wessex will appear in the BBC show.
Today we got a glimpse of the program in which The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, have spoken to the medical, charity, and voluntary staff from across the commonwealth to hear more about the work they have been carrying out to care for those within their communities.
During a video called that the royal couple made from The Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, Prince William, and Duchess Catherine talked to Dr. Zolelwa Sifumba, from South Africa, an advocate for the rights of healthcare workers on the front line. Talking to Dr. Sifumba, The Duchess of Cambridge said,
Here in the UK, there’s been masses of public recognition of the amazing work the front line is doing and it’s sad, almost, that it’s taken the pandemic for the public to really back and support all those working on the front line.
The Duke and Duchess heard from those on the calls about what inspired them to support their communities, the impact of the vital work they are carrying out, and how they have adapted their efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From The Standard’s report,
Dr. Sifumba replies: “We actually know the problems, we see the problems every day, you walk into work there are the problems. The problem is our voices are not heard. We are on the front lines and we are expected to lift humanity. So my advice to everybody is, if you know a healthcare worker – any healthcare worker – you just love on them, love on them, love on them some more. If their child needs looking after, offer, you know, if they need a meal, offer.”
This Sunday, March 7th 2021 is a big day for me and all the health care workers I fight for GLOBALLY.. I feature in an interview with the royals on my Advocacy.
7pm.. Tune in.. Invite your friends and your friends friends.. See me represent health care workers on a global stage❤️ pic.twitter.com/AkygzjVgIk— Dr Zolelwa Sifumba (@SifumbaZolelwa) March 5, 2021
The Duke of Cambridge said, “We, Catherine and I, have spoken to a lot of healthcare workers in the UK and around the world over the last year – we hear your worries and your concerns, and thank you for your time chatting to us about it.” Dr. Sifumba shared her excitement on Twitter.
For the day, Prince Charles of Wales has recorded a message addressing the universal devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Prince Charles’ message will celebrate the critical work being carried out by nations across the Commonwealth to combat climate change and protect its unique landscapes, marine environments, and bio-diversities. In the message Prince Charles will say, “ The coronavirus pandemic has affected every country of the Commonwealth, cruelly robbing countless people of their lives and livelihoods, disrupting our societies and denying us the human connections which we so dearly cherish. Amidst such heart-breaking suffering, however, the extraordinary determination, courage, and creativity with which people have responded have been an inspiration to us all. This pandemic has shown us the true nature of a global emergency. We have learned that human health, economic health, and planetary health are fundamentally interconnected and that pandemics, climate change, and biodiversity loss are existential threats that know no borders”.
On her part, The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to the broadcaster Clare Balding at Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner about the topic she is really passionate about – Books. They talked about the importance of books and reading for children across the commonwealth, especially in a year of isolation and disrupted education. In the conversation, The Duchess said, “I’ve always had a passion for books. Books have been part of my life for so long. I started reading when I was very very young with a father who has a fervent bibliophile.“So from the age of two or three, he used to sit and read to us children, take us on wonderful adventures… all over the world. I think I was bitten at that age and from then I’ve just kept going, and I’ve got involved in a lot of literacy programs and patronages. I just feel very strongly that all children should be taught to read”.
The Countess of Wessex, Sophie, will be marking Commonwealth Day along with International Women’s Day with a call to three women around the commonwealth to hear about their experiences of supporting other women and wider communities.
For the video, The Duchess of Cambridge brought back her Emilia Wickstead Kate Dress in Blue.
Catherine first wore the dress in November 2019 at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust in London.
The Duchess topped the dress with her matching Emilia Wickstead Rectangular Buckle Woven Belt.
The Duchess of Cambridge paired the dress with a pair of pearl hoops that are still unidentified.
You can watch the BBC special on BBCOne, BBCiPlayer, and the BBC YouTube here tomorrow at 5 PM.