Queen Elizabeth Poses for Brand-New Portrait with Son Prince Charles

Published Jul 13, 2022

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4:08pm

Queen Elizabeth is taking a moment to honor a special group of workers—with assistance from her son, Prince Charles.

Her Royal Highness presented the George Cross to the National Health Service representatives at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The award was given to workers from all four nations to commemorate their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a slideshow of photos posted to the royal family’s official Instagram page, the monarch appears to be talking to the award recipients, including Modern Matron May Parsons from University Hospital Coventry (who administered the world’s first COVID vaccine in December 2020).

Just to give a little bit of context behind the George Cross, the initiative was first established by King George VI in 1940. The goal was to acknowledge “acts of the greatest heroism or the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger.”

This is the second time the queen has presented the award during her 70-year reign on the throne. The caption read, “It is with great pleasure on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.”

Many people around the world have been personally affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including the queen herself. Back in February, she tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, the queen has made a few public appearances but continues to battle with ongoing mobility issues.

Thank you to all the healthcare workers who continue to be on the frontlines.

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Karelle Mckay

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

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