Coronavirus UK: Royals wish Boris Johnson a ‘speedy recovery’

The Queen and other senior royals have sent messages of support to Boris Johnson for a ‘full and speedy recovery’ as he battles coronavirus in intensive care today. 

Her Majesty said her thoughts were also with the Prime Minister’s heavily pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds and his family, who are not able to visit him at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London.

It is the third time in less than 72 hours that the Queen has made a public statement about the coronavirus crisis, as the death toll jumped by a record-high of 854 in a day with 6,227 known fatalities in the UK so far.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement this afternoon: ‘Earlier today the Queen sent a message to Carrie Symonds and to the Johnson family. Her Majesty said they were in her thoughts and that she wished the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery’. 

And in messages released at the same time, Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince William and Kate Middleton, also sent their best wishes to the PM. 

Millions of Britons have also been moved by Mr Johnson’s health battle and some will ‘clap for Boris’ at 8pm tonight after he was moved to an intensive care unit as he developed breathing problems.

Others across Britain posted signs in their windows reading ‘pray for Boris’ and ‘get well soon Boris’ – but some trolls posted a series of vile social media messages including many wishing him ill and using the hashtag #ImnotaTory. 

The Queen has sent her best wishes for a speedy recovery to her Prime Minister this afternoon and also said her thoughts are with his pregnant fiancee and his family as he battles coronavirus in hospital

Minutes later, in a message signed 'W' - a sign it was written by Prince William  himself- he and his wife Kate also said their thoughts were with the PM

Minutes later, in a message signed ‘W’ – a sign it was written by Prince William  himself- he and his wife Kate also said their thoughts were with the PM

The Queen's has contacted Carrie Symonds as she is in self-isolation while heavily pregnant while her fiance Mr Johnson (together last month) is in ICU

The Queen’s has contacted Carrie Symonds as she is in self-isolation while heavily pregnant while her fiance Mr Johnson (together last month) is in ICU

‘It’s the worst possible timing’: Royal watchers criticise Prince Harry and Meghan for unveiling details of the Archewell charitable foundation

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured above) announced yesterday they will be launching a new foundation, named 'Archewell'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured above) announced yesterday they will be launching a new foundation, named ‘Archewell’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have today been criticised after revealing some of the details of their plans to launch a new not-for-profit foundation, with one royal watcher describing it as ‘the worst possible timing’.

The couple last night said they ‘look forward’ to getting started with the foundation, named Archewell, which will replace their Sussex Royal brand.

But royal biographer Phil Dampier has described the reveal of the details, which came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved into intensive care with coronavirus, as ‘appalling timing’.

The details were revealed after the Telegraph uncovered that The Sussexes had filed paperwork to trademark Archewell in the United States last month.

The trademark covers educational material, books and downloadable articles, as well pens, pencils, paperclips and clothing items, including tops, dresses and skirts.

The couple say they were ‘compelled’ into making the announcement last night.

It was coincidentally revealed just hours after fans took to Twitter to launch the hashtag ‘ArchieDay’ to celebrate the first birthday of the couple’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, with a global campaign to raise money for ‘vulnerable children impacted by coronavirus’.

The Duke of Cambridge tweeted a personal message, signing it off with his initial ‘W’, and saying: ‘Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family, who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus. We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time. W.’

His father the Prince of Wales, who has recovered from Covid-19, sent a message from himself and the Duchess of Cornwall to Mr Johnson on Tuesday, also wishing him a ‘speedy recovery’, Clarence House said.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen’s message was conveyed through Mr Johnson’s office.

Weekly calls between Number 10 and the Queen will not take place while the Prime Minister is receiving treatment in intensive care, Downing Street has confirmed.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the PM, will not be asked to step in to brief her on Boris Johnson’s behalf.

Mr Johnson would have been due to have a telephone audience with the 93-year-old Queen, who is staying at Windsor Castle with a reduced household for her safety, on Wednesday.

The Queen delivered a message of hope to the nation on Sunday evening, just over an hour before Downing Street announced Mr Johnson had been admitted to hospital.

She warned the country, in lockdown with thousands dead after contracting Covid-19, ‘may have more still to endure’.

But she said if we ‘remain united and resolute’ in the face of the coronavirus outbreak ‘we will overcome it’, and echoed the words of Forces’ sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn’s Second World War song, when she said ‘we will meet again’.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Queen praised the ‘dedication to service’ of nurses, midwives and other health workers during the coronavirus outbreak, in a message to mark World Health Day.

She thanked the healthcare profession for its ‘selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the Commonwealth, and across the world’.

The Queen addressed the nation on Sunday night, in a historic speech amid the coronavirus outbreak, and was watched by at least 23.3million people in Britain last night and millions more around the world

The Queen addressed the nation on Sunday night, in a historic speech amid the coronavirus outbreak, and was watched by at least 23.3million people in Britain last night and millions more around the world

‘The Queen thanks NHS nurses, midwives and healthcare workers for their ‘selfless commitment’

The Queen has praised the ‘dedication to service’ of nurses, midwives and other health workers during the coronavirus pandemic in a message for World Health Day.

The monarch, who is currently residing at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince Philip, also thanked healthcare professionals for their ‘selfless commitment’.

She also praised their ‘diligence’ in ‘vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the Commonwealth and across the world’. 

The head of state also said that ‘testing times’ can bring out ‘the best of the human spirit’, adding that healthcare workers’ dedication was ‘an example to us all’. 

Her words were released in a video montage on the Royal Family’s Twitter account showing members of the monarchy meeting medical staff and health workers.  

Boris Johnson is ‘breathing without assistance’ in intensive care and does not have pneumonia, Downing Street said categorically today.

Forced to issue a statement to quash rampant speculation, the PM’s spokesman said he was ‘stable overnight and remains in good spirits’, having received ‘standard oxygen treatment’.

Mr Johnson has also not needed a mechanical ventilator despite mounting concerns over his health.

The more positive news came after Michael Gove said the premier’s plight is ‘truly frightening’ and ministers are ‘praying’ for his swift recovery. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been ‘deputised’ to take charge while he is out of action..

But there are growing concerns about the effectiveness of the government machine while the incumbent of No10 is unable to lead the crisis response.

Mr Johnson was moved to ICU at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London and given oxygen last night after his health deteriorated sharply over just two hours, leaving doctors fearing he will end up needing a ventilator.

But the 55-year-old’s spokesman said today: ‘The Prime Minister has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits.

‘He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and breathing without any other assistance. He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.’

‘#ClapForBoris tonight at 8pm’: Twitter users unite in support and nurses pray for PM after he was moved to intensive care with worsening coronavirus

Social media users have asked Britons to ‘clap for Boris Johnson’ tonight after he was moved to an intensive care unit with worsening symptoms of coronavirus. 

NHS workers have joined those urging the Prime Minister to ‘get well soon’ with photographs of medics holding up ‘get well’ signs on wards shared to Twitter.

The Queen and other senior royals also sent messages of support to Mr Johnson as he battles coronavirus in intensive care today. 

The Prime Minister, 55, was transferred to the ICU at St Thomas’ Hospital in London last night and given oxygen after his health deteriorated sharply over just two hours, leaving doctors fearing he may need a ventilator. 

He was said to have had breathing difficulties when he was moved to the unit at 7pm – forcing him to call upon Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take the reins of government. 

In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Mr Johnson was receiving the ‘best care’. 

Staff at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, show their support for the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he is treated for coronavirus in intensive care

Staff at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, show their support for the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he is treated for coronavirus in intensive care

Pictured: Staff at the Acute Medical Unit at Solihull Hospital near Birmingham this afternoon

Pictured: Staff at the Acute Medical Unit at Solihull Hospital near Birmingham this afternoon

Those in the intensive care unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth held up individual signs which read 'get well soon Boris, you can beat this' when put together

Those in the intensive care unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth held up individual signs which read ‘get well soon Boris, you can beat this’ when put together

‘As we speak the PM is in intensive care being looked after by his medical team receiving the very, very best care from the team in St Thomas’ and our hopes and prayers are with him and with his family,’ he told BBC Breakfast.   

NHS workers across the UK shared photographs to Twitter today of medics holding up placards asking the Prime Minister to ‘get well soon.’  

Staff on the Nason Ward at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton held up signs reading ‘get well soon Boris’ in support of Mr Johnson.

At Solihull Hospital near Birmingham, medics at the Acute Medical Unit also urged the Prime Minister to ‘get well soon’ in a photograph posted to Twitter.

Medics on the intensive care unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth held up signs individually in photographs which were later compiled to read ‘get well soon Boris, you can beat this.’ 

Pictured: Boris Johnson seen last Friday

Pictured: Boris Johnson on March 27

Social media users have asked Britons to ‘clap for Boris Johnson’ tonight after he was moved to an intensive care unit with worsening symptoms of coronavirus 

Dozens of Twitter users took to the platform under the hashtag 'ClapForBoris' to ask Britons to salute the Prime Minister from their homes at 8pm this evening

Dozens of Twitter users took to the platform under the hashtag ‘ClapForBoris’ to ask Britons to salute the Prime Minister from their homes at 8pm this evening

Others across Britain posted signs in their windows reading ‘pray for Boris’ and ‘get well soon Boris’ in support of the Prime Minister. 

Meanwhile, dozens of Twitter users took to the platform under the hashtag ‘ClapForBoris’ to ask Britons to salute the Prime Minister from their homes at 8pm this evening.

The recognition would follow the nationwide ‘Clap for Carers’ tributes, which saw thousands of people take to their doorsteps to honour NHS staff and key workers. 

In a tweet, one user asked Britons to clap for the Prime Minister tonight ‘whatever your political views are’ as ‘he has done his best for this country in this impossible situation.’ 

A ‘Clap For Boris’ Facebook group has also been created for the event, with more than 136,000 members pledging to take part. 

Another said: ‘Let’s get this thing going at 8pm this evening. He’s our PM, he’s strong, a huge character and he’s fought for us since his inception. 

Others across Britain posted signs in their windows reading 'pray for Boris' and 'get well soon Boris' in support of the Prime Minister

Others across Britain posted signs in their windows reading ‘pray for Boris’ and ‘get well soon Boris’ in support of the Prime Minister

A cyclist with a sign reading '#PrayforBoris' rides through Westminster in London today

A cyclist with a sign reading ‘#PrayforBoris’ rides through Westminster in London today

In a tweet, one user asked Britons to clap for the Prime Minister tonight 'whatever your political views are' as 'he has done his best for this country in this impossible situation'

In a tweet, one user asked Britons to clap for the Prime Minister tonight ‘whatever your political views are’ as ‘he has done his best for this country in this impossible situation’

‘Get well soon Boris. We need you.’ 

‘I’m clapping for Boris tonight 8pm outside my window. Are you?’ said a third. 

Others encouraged Britons to take part in the tribute ‘whatever your political persuasion’ as ‘we should all wish our Prime Minister well.’

Another said: ‘The nation will be clapping for Boris tonight – 8pm. Let’s show our support for the man leading our country.’ 

Some users, however, dubbed the tribute a ‘ridiculous idea’ and took the opportunity to criticise the Prime Minister.

It was even claimed a ‘Clap for Boris’ event would ‘make a mockery of the incredible sacrifice of our front line workers’ by some on social media.  

The news sparked a mammoth response on social media, with thousands of Twitter users taking to the platform to wish the Prime Minister well

The news sparked a mammoth response on social media, with thousands of Twitter users taking to the platform to wish the Prime Minister well

Others took to Twitter to wish the Prime Minister well under the hashtags ‘PrayForBoris’, ‘PrayForBorisJohnson’ and ‘PrayingForBoris.’ 

Among the well-wishers was television presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who wrote: ‘Boris is a fighter, he will win through, and it’ll cheer him up no end that people are being so generous, amazing to see. #PrayForBoris.’

Former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon also took to Twitter to wish the Prime Minister well.

‘Saddened to hear that Boris Johnson has been moved into ICU. Thoughts and prayers with him,’ she said.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also shared a prayer for the Prime Minister’s ‘swift recovery.’

He added: ‘@GSTTNHS has some of the finest medical staff in the world, and he couldn’t be in safer hands.’ 

Pictured: A man carries flower to the door of 10 Downing Street, the residence of Mr Johnson, this afternoon

Pictured: A man carries flower to the door of 10 Downing Street, the residence of Mr Johnson, this afternoon

Singer Rhydian Roberts insisted 'we should all hope our Prime Minister recovers' regardless of our 'political persuasion'

Singer Rhydian Roberts insisted ‘we should all hope our Prime Minister recovers’ regardless of our ‘political persuasion’

Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan added: I wish the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery and thank the NHS team looking after him and everyone at St Thomas’. 

‘Coronavirus can affect anyone, the symptoms can be really awful. Please, please, remind your friends and family to stay at home!’ 

Singer Rhydian Roberts insisted ‘we should all hope our Prime Minister recovers’ regardless of our ‘political persuasion.’ 

He said: ‘Come on Boris. No matter what your political persuasion is, we should all hope our PM recovers.

‘I for one wish him well and my thoughts are with him and his pregnant girlfriend Carrie #PrayForBoris.’  

Another user shared the vocalist’s sentiment, writing ‘b******* to political allegiances right now.’

‘Our Prime Minister is in intensive care,’ he added. ‘Every single person in the UK must hope that Boris Johnson pulls through this.’  

Others told the Prime Minister 'your country is behind you' as they took to the platform to wish him well

Others told the Prime Minister ‘your country is behind you’ as they took to the platform to wish him well

Radio presenter John Dalziel added: ‘Regardless of where you stand politically, Boris isn’t just the Prime Minister, he is also a fiancé and soon to be father, son and brother. 

‘Anyone who has ever had a family member sent to the Intensive Care Unit will know how scary this time is.’

Television personality Lizzie Cundy took to Twitter to share her ‘thoughts and prayers’ with the Prime Minister, adding: ‘This goes to show no one is invincible to this virus.

‘Please let’s all stay at home!’   

The Prime Minister’s sharp downturn came 11 days after he first suffered coronavirus symptoms and went into isolation. 

He looked increasingly unwell when seen in public and in ‘selfie’ videos posted on social media, and ministers were said to be shocked by his appearance at a Zoom conference on Sunday. 

Police officers outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened

Police officers outside St Thomas’ Hospital in central London as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened

Pictured: Mr Johnson claps outside 11 Downing Street on April 2 to salute local NHS heroes

Pictured: Mr Johnson claps outside 11 Downing Street on April 2 to salute local NHS heroes

Downing Street sources confirmed Mr Johnson is not yet on a ventilator – but was moved to intensive care to be near one if needed. 

Some medical experts are forecasting this course of action is now ‘very likely’.  

Two thirds of patients in intensive care with coronavirus are sedated and put on a ventilator within 24 hours of arriving as the illness attacks their lungs.

But last night one doctor told The Times Mr Johnson was conscious and had not been intubated – the process of putting a tube in the windpipe to aid breathing. 

He was said to have required around four litres of oxygen rather than the 15 litres used by an average Covid-19 ICU patient.

Only two hours before his move to intensive care, No10 was insisting Mr Johnson was still spearheading the government’s coronavirus response, despite de facto deputy Mr Raab chairing the morning crisis meeting.

Yet shortly after the Foreign Secretary left the Number 10 podium following the daily 5pm press briefing, Mr Johnson suffered breathing problems.

Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, held an emergency video conference with the cabinet to tell them the bad news, in a moment one minister described as ‘truly shocking’.

No10 has been urged to be more ‘transparent’ about the premier’s condition, amid claims a hospital bed was being prepared for him as early as last Thursday.

 

 

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