[ad_1]
It is possible that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hoped to spread goodwill and holiday cheer during a three-day tour of the UK on the royal train to personally thank key frontline workers and communities for their efforts during the pandemic. But there has been a lukewarm welcome from politicians in Scotland and Wales.
While not directly criticizing the couple’s decision to embark on their 1,250-mile journey, Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon hinted that Monday’s royal trip to Edinburgh took place despite Kensington Palace being informed of restrictions in Scotland.
When asked about the couple’s trip, Sturgeon said: “The Scottish government was informed of the intention to visit, and we ensured that the royal house was aware, as expected, of the restrictions in place in Scotland for They could inform both the decision and planning of the visit. Any other questions on that should be directed to the royal house. “
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething, ahead of the couple’s visit to Cardiff on Tuesday, said: “I would prefer that no one had unnecessary visits and that people always had divisive views on the monarchy, but their visit is not an excuse for have people say they are confused about what they are being asked to do. “
When asked on Radio 4’s Today show if William and Kate should still go, he said, “I’m not particularly upset or interested because I don’t think that’s an excuse for people to say, ‘I should go and behave.’ in a different way and should act as if the damage that is being seen in front of us in every part of our healthcare system is not occurring. ‘
Royal sources said the visits were planned in consultation with the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, emphasizing that the couple were working, therefore exempt from any border restrictions.
The couple also visited the north of England and toured Berwick upon Tweed, Batley and Manchester on Monday when they met school children, ambulance workers, volunteers and charity workers.
William delivered a speech at FareShare, a national charity that feeds almost 1 million people a week in the UK and up to 60,000 in Greater Manchester, to thank staff and volunteers for helping the most vulnerable during the GV pandemic. coronavirus.
Speaking inside a Manchester warehouse named after England’s mother and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who works closely with FareShare, William said: “Catherine and I felt it was extremely important to visit just a few of the the heroes that have emerged this year to Thank you for all that you have done.
“Whether it’s transport workers, paramedics, school teachers or indeed staff and volunteers like you online via the FareShare network or here in Manchester tonight.”
William and Kate will visit Cardiff on Tuesday to meet college students and hear about the mental health challenges they faced during the pandemic.
The Scottish government said that Sturgeon had simply reiterated the current guidance. A spokesman said the prime minister appreciated the support shown by the dukes for the NHS of Scotland.
As well as meeting frontline workers, the couple are introducing the UK arts, heritage and live performance sector, which has been supported throughout the pandemic by the £ 1.57k culture recovery fund. millions from the government.
