Prince William says the ‘day he dreaded most’ has come with coronavirus as he launches appeal to help those suffering

PRINCE William has become the first member of the royal family to address coronavirus as he launches an appeal to help those suffering. 

Today, the Duke of Cambridge, 37, said the “day he dreaded most” had arrived, as he spoke on behalf of The National Emergencies Trust.

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Prince William has become the first royal family member to speak out about coronavirus

The appeal, which is in partnership with the British Red Cross, aims to raise funds to help local charities supporting those suffering hardship as a result of the outbreak. 

Prince William spoke from the heart in a video message, saying: “I said at its launch last year that I dreaded the day when it would be needed.

“Sadly, with the outbreak of Covid-19, that day has come faster than any of us would have hoped.

“But now, more than ever, I am grateful that The National Emergencies Trust exists. It will ensure that support reaches those across the UK who need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Prince William has launched an appeal with The National Emergencies Trust to help raise money for those suffering

The appeal aims to raise funds to help local charities supporting those suffering hardship as a result of the outbreak

“And it will help to ensure that all our efforts to overcome this challenge are channelled in the best possible way.”

The duke spoke of the importance of communities pulling together, and praised people in the UK for having a “unique ability” to unite. 

He said: “Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together. 

“The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature.

“The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way – which is why the establishment of National Emergencies Trust was so important.”

It has been announced schools across the whole of the UK will be closed after Friday as Britain desperately tries to contain the coronavirus outbreak at the “right time”.

Boris Johnson said this evening that schools will be open on Friday as usual but then will shut “until further notice” for all children – except to those of key workers and vulnerable kids.

The PM refused to rule out locking down the whole of London – or even restricting people’s movement.

This follows the coronavirus UK death toll soaring to 104 with 33 more deaths in single day as killer bug takes hold.

Yesterday, it was announced The Queen was taking a step back from royal duties amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

HOAR exclusively revealed that Princess Charlotte and Prince George will be home-schooled over coronavirus fears.

Thomas’s in Battersea are encouraging all parents including Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, to remove children from classes by Friday.

Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle completed their final engagements as senior members of the Royal Family in the UK.

But shortly after they returned to Canada last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shut the borders over growing coronavirus concerns – leaving the pair essentially trapped.

What’s more, friends of the couple have revealed they’re self-isolating in a £11m mansion on Vancouver Island with their 10-month-old baby Archie.

In more Royal Family news, this is the awkward moment The Queen doesn’t recognise a painting of her and her father.

And Meghan Markle & Prince Harry feel ‘immense relief’ that they’ve left the UK & can start a new life, a source has claimed.

Plus Pippa Middleton orders cabs under the name ‘Lucy’, a taxi driver has revealed.