Landmarks turn blue as royal kids and Brits across the UK clap to thank coronavirus NHS heroes

BRITAIN turned blue tonight and joined in a mass round of applause to thank NHS heroes battling deadly coronavirus.

Landmarks lit up for frontline healthcare workers, while Brits up and down the country clapped and whooped in a joint show of support.

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The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, was staged because "during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful", according to the organisers.

At 8pm, grateful Brits obeyed government advice to stay indoors and instead showed their support from inside their homes, on balconies and in their gardens.

Some set off fireworks as loud cheers rang across the UK to thank those risking their lives to fight the deadly virus.

Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis joined in to show their support along with a host of celebs including Jamie Oliver and Amanda Holden.

Kensington Palace tweeted a video of the young royals, saying: "To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by #COVID19: thank you. #ClapForOurCarers #ClapForCarers #ThankYouNHS #ClapForNHS".

Prince Harry and Meghan Mark also showed their support for Britain’s NHS heroes.

Sharing a post on their Instagram account, they wrote: “Thank you for all that you continue to do!

“Applauding you from across the pond #clapforourcarers #NHS”

Prince Charles appeared for the first time since being diagnosed with covid-19 to mark the celebration.

Clarence House posted an Instagram video of the Prince showing his appreciation while Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was seen clapping separately from an open window as the couple self-isolate in Balmoral, Scotland.

While Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak posted a video outside Downing Street with the caption: "On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank all the incredible nurses, doctors, NHS support staff & carers who are working flat out to fight coronavirus. #ClapForOurCarers #ClapForNHS

"To help them, and protect the NHS, we need everyone to stay at home #StayHomeSaveLives".

And as part of the movement, landmarks including The Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral were lit up in blue during the salute.

Radio station LBC has collected video messages from key political figures who shared their own gratitude to the frontline workers.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "My colleagues in the NHS do so much to look after us, especially in our hour of need and never more so than during the coronavirus crisis, so let's join together at 8pm tonight to say thank you to everyone in the NHS."

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also recorded a video for LBC and said he wanted to thank every person working in the NHS in London and around the country.

"You truly are the best. Your hard work, dedication and courage is saving lives every single day and we need you now more than ever before. I urge everyone to join together and applaud for our NHS," he added.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I applaud the NHS, I clap for the NHS, I love the NHS. Well done everyone who works for the National Health Service and our care services and all the GP practices and everywhere else.

"You're doing a fantastic job and I think the whole country has begun to realise how much we rely on you and on each other to get through this particular crisis. Thanks a lot and well done."