Prince Charles leads national day of reflection with speech
A minute’s silence will be held at midday today to mark the one-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown
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Your support makes all the difference.Prince Charles is set to lead the national day of reflection in which he will say he is “inspired, humbled and moved” by the sacrifices made over the past year.
A minute’s silence will be held at 12pm today to mark the one-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown, followed by a bell toll.
The Prince of Wales is urging Britons – “whatever their faith or philosophy” – to stop on Tuesday and remember those who have died during the pandemic.
In a recorded message, Prince Charles said: “We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
”Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
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“In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.”
People are also encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to symbolise “a beacon of remembrance”.
Prominent buildings and landmarks will also be lit up across the UK.
The commemorative event has been organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, of which the Prince of Wales is a patron.
It estimates that more than six million people have been bereaved since the start of the pandemic.
More than 110 organisations are supporting the day of reflection, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and cross-party politicians, charities, businesses, emergency services, community groups and public sector bodies.
Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed said: “The last year has been one of the most traumatic and uniting in modern history. With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt by this generation.
“Many of us have been unable to say a real goodbye or comfort our family, friends and colleagues in their grief. We need to acknowledge that and recognise we are not alone.
“That’s why on March 23, it is important that we all come together to reflect on our collective loss, celebrate the lives of the special people no longer here, support those who’ve been bereaved and look towards a much brighter future.”
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