Good Causes

Royal couple thank key workers at special panto performance

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked key workers and their families for their phenomenal efforts during the coronavirus pandemic at a special pantomime performance in London hosted by The National Lottery.

The audience at the Friday evening performance of Pantoland at The Palladium included key workers from across London including NHS staff, delivery drivers, refuse collectors, emergency services staff, charity workers and volunteers. Children who attended the red carpet event with their families were met with a special Christmas surprise as they left the theatre.

Before the show The Duke of Cambridge delivered a short speech to thank those across the country for the sacrifices they have made to keep the country operating and to support their communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic. During the interval, the Royal couple also met a small number of key worker families to hear more about their experiences over the past year.

Their Royal Highnesses’ attendance at the pantomime comes after their Royal Train Tour, during which they carried out working visits across England, Scotland and Wales to pay tribute to the incredible work of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The one-off performance of Pantoland at The Palladium starred Julian Clary and Elaine Page, and was produced by Qdos Entertainment.

Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said it was “delighted” to host the special performance for key workers. He added, “Whether it is those individuals playing a critical role in keeping us safe, staff ensuring our public services continue to run or the volunteers supporting the vulnerable, their contribution has been vital during this pandemic.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the owner of The Palladium, said, “This year we all need the magic and cheer of Christmas more than ever. However, one group of people deserve special recognition: the challenges of 2020 have been immeasurably lessened by the dedication and sheer brilliance of this country’s key workers.”

You can watch A Christmas Surprise, our video featuring the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, below.

12th December 2020

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