On Tuesday 4th August, the British Red Cross marked its 150th anniversary with members of the Royal Family recognising the work of the charity who have made a difference to the lives of millions of people who have faced crisis, both in the UK and overseas.
The Prince of Wales has recorded an introduction to a new online exhibition, ‘150 voices’, as part of the anniversary this year. The online exhibition showcases 150 objects from the British Red Cross museum and archives collection, which have been specially selected to highlight the role of the charity as it supported people during some of the darkest moments in the last century and a half.
Inspired by communities across the UK and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition includes objects such as a letter from Florence Nightingale, a WWI ambulance drivers’ cap and a food parcel distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent during the Syria crisis.
In the online introduction, The Prince of Wales says: “I am proud to say that my family has played its own part in supporting the work of the British Red Cross throughout its history.
“The work of the Red Cross is as essential today as it has ever been, helping those in need both in the United Kingdom and around the world, strengthening our communities and supporting people to face the challenges of an ever-changing and unpredictable world.”
In 2018, His Royal Highness met Red Cross volunteers in the aftermath of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.
As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, The Duchess of Cambridge has penned a letter to 150 nominated Red Cross staff and volunteers, which will be sent alongside a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint. In the meantime, the charity’s longest-serving Patron, The Queen has supported the British Red Cross across the decades; and the then Princess Elizabeth, one of her earliest visits was to a Red Cross hut caring for tuberculosis patients in 1951. Speaking about the anniversary, Mike Adamson, Chief Executive of the British Red Cross said, “The British Red Cross has been helping people in crisis for 150 years; through two World Wars, working hand in hand with the NHS since its creation in 1948 and today in communities across the UK and overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Throughout our history it is the kindness of our volunteers, as well as the generosity of our supporters that has meant we can be there for people when they need us most, wherever they are and whomever they may be.”
