Prince Harry and Meghan Markle urge the public to ‘come together’ in coronavirus statement on Instagram
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle today urged the public to "come together" in the face of the coronavirus crisis in a fresh statement on Instagram.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex told their 11.3million followers "we are all in this together" as the number of global coronavirus cases today surged past 200,000.
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The couple posted a quote on their Instagram today, saying: "This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit".
Accompanied by the couple's monogrammed H and M, they shared an inspiring message on social media telling their followers to focus on the positive news around them.
They said: "These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary."
They went on: "How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now. Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle.
"We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process – and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us."
It comes as the couple returned to Canada this month after completing their final engagements as Royals.
The Sussexes had dramatically announced they were quitting the Firm in January - with their last day settled for March 31 after negotiations with the Queen.
And it has been claimed the couple and baby Archie, who is ten months, are now self-isolating in their luxury North American home.
The full statement
These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary.
There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring.
This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit. We often speak of compassion.
All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally.
How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now.
Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle. We will be sharing information and resources to help all of us navigate the uncertainty: from posting accurate information and facts from trusted experts, to learning about measures we can take to keep ourselves and our families healthy, to working with organisations that can support our mental and emotional well-being.
In addition, we will focus on the inspiring stories of how so many of you around the world are connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up.
We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process – and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us.
We look forward to sharing more over the days and weeks to come...
"Meghan said they are grateful, especially Harry, that they could spend time with his family before all this insanity began," an insider said.
"Meghan said (Harry) has been in contact with the both his father and grandmother. He urged them to stay safe and to take extra precautions."
The couple are currently keeping a social distance in a huge waterfront pile, costing £11 million, on Vancouver Island.
According to the same source, Harry "feels a bit helpless and isolated out in the middle of nowhere, but is grateful that they are all together as a family."
ROYAL WEDDING CANCELLED
Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice has been forced to cancel her May wedding due to concerns around the virus.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman confirmed: "Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi are very much looking forward to getting married but are equally aware of the need to avoid undertaking any unnecessary risks in the current circumstances.
"In line with government advice for the UK and beyond, the couple are reviewing their arrangements for 29th May.
"They are particularly conscious of government advice in relation to both the wellbeing of older family members and large gatherings of people. Therefore, the planned reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens will not take place.
"The couple will carefully consider government advice before deciding whether a private marriage might take place amongst a small group of family and friends."
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The Queen was today pictured without gloves conducting her last few engagements at Buckingham Palace before she is expected to head to Windsor.
The monarch is soon set to leave London and head to Windsor Castle amid the coronavirus crisis.
Several royal events will be postponed including all garden parties at the palace and the annual Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel on 9th April will not go ahead.
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