Prince Charles ‘hands’ Royal Mail thank you letter to his local postie in touching tribute for coronavirus dedication

PRINCE Charles and Camilla have thanked hero postal workers for their "dedication, resilience and hard work"during the coronavirus crisis.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall addressed a letter to "Everyone at Royal Mail" and ended it with "heartfelt thanks - and a big thumbs up".

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A touching video shows the couple leaving the letter outside their front door at Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, where it was picked up by stunned local postie Neil Martin.

The letter reads: "Receiving such a personal message at this difficult and anxious time can mean an enormous amount.

"We feel sure that a very large number of these special greetings will be treasured for years to come. They may even become a valuable resource for social historians in the future.

"Postmen and postwomen are trusted figures in our local communities. They are a constant presence in an ever-changing world. For some people, they are a point of daily human contact; a friendly, familiar face."

ROYAL PRAISE

The couple also said the value of Royal Mail workers "has never been more important" as "many people have taken the time to write a letter, or a card, to those from whom they are separated".

And they praised how posties have been forced to overcome personal fears to carry out their jobs in a new way.

The royals wrote: "Many of you, we know, have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of you.

"We have heard wonderful stories of postmen and postwomen checking on older and vulnerable residents, raising funds for good causes, even wearing fancy dress costumes to raise a smile...

"Today, as many people - ourselves included - are obliged to stay at home, Royal Mail plays an absolutely vital role in keeping family and friends in touch with one another. For that, we can only say how deeply grateful we are and send you our kindest wishes."

UNSUNG HEROES

Royal Mail has launched a Thumbs Up For Your Postie campaign to encourage customers to show their appreciation for postal workers.

The public has been urged to give posties on their round a thumbs up from a safe 2m distance.

The royals have been paying tribute to unsung heroes during the pandemic.

Prince Philip released a rare public statement last month where he recognised the work done by NHS staff along with council workers and binmen.

Prince Charles, 71, himself battled the disease in March and helped virtually open NHS Nightingale in London after recovering.

The second in line to the throne has stepped up his royal duties in recent weeks, while the Queen is reportedly due to withdraw from public duties for months.

Her Majesty, 94, will remain at Windsor Castle indefinitely as the coronavirus crisis continues in the UK.

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Prince Charles and Camilla led the nation in a poignant two minute silence on the 75th anniversary of VE Day to remember the fallen.

The couple each laid a wreath at a war memorial at Balmoral Castle - with Camilla adding a touching handwritten note to her "darling father" Major Bruce Shand.

But the Queen rallied the UK once again in a stirring speech broadcast on Friday where she asked Brits to "never give up".

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