Windsor Castle’s Round Tower Bathes in Blue Light in Tribute to NHS

Samantha Conti
·3 min read

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BLUE, AGAIN: Windsor Castle’s Round Tower turned blue on Thursday night as part of a weekly tribute to Britain’s National Health Service, which is on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus.

The Royal Family posted an image on Twitter early Friday saying the tower turned blue “as we joined the nation to mark our appreciation for all of the U.K.’s key workers.”

Last week, it was Selfridges that turned blue, and each Thursday night members of the British public stand outside their homes — or clap from open windows — as a tribute to the doctors, nurses, care workers and support staff in the NHS.

Sir Paul McCartney, David Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, Daniel Craig and Phoebe Waller-Bridge were among the British (or U.K.-dwelling) music and film starts took part in videos expressing their gratitude to the NHS.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson, said he and his family gathered at the front door of Winfield House on Thursday night to applaud the NHS and others who are working to kill off the coronavirus in Britain. He also said the U.S. was working closely with the U.K. on providing support and supplies.

“History has shown us again and again that when the going gets tough, the British people get going. And America is right here with you. We will win this fight together. Hundreds of American and British businesses, including American companies operating here, are bringing their resources to the fight. U.S. companies are working shoulder to shoulder with British counterparts on everything from providing logistics, IT support and protective equipment, to joining the ventilator challenge,” Johnson said.

Earlier this week, Prince Charles offered up a morale-raising message after recovering from the virus, and on Friday will make history by cutting a virtual ribbon, officially opening the 4,000-bed NHS Nightingale Hospital in London via video link. The temporary hospital was built in nine days at the ExCel convention center.

Due to the COVID-19 quarantine, the Queen decamped early to Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, while Prince Charles — who has recovered from the coronavirus — is in Scotland with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are hunkered down at Anmer Hall, with their three children.

Last week, Princes George and Louis and Princes Charlotte, were pictured clapping outside their home at Anmer Hall, on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The Round Tower at Windsor Castle was built in 1170 by King Henry II — who was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and who was embroiled in the famous Thomas Becket scandal.

It was remodeled under King George IV in the early 19th century, and only recently opened its doors to the public after a major refurbishment that began in the Seventies.

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