Prince praises naval charity

THE Prince of Wales has praised a naval charity for continuing its work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prince Charles, who is patron of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, expressed his sympathy for those working to support Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families.

“I am certain you will be doing your utmost to maintain the essential elements of care and service you provide to so many vulnerable people who depend upon you,” wrote the Prince.

“I want you to know that I can well imagine the appalling pressures you have suddenly and unexpectedly been put under and that my heart goes out to you and your families during the coming weeks and months of such hideous uncertainty.”

The message came as the RNBT chief executive Rob Bosshardt revealed the charity paid out more than £32,000 of individual grants in the first two weeks of the national lockdown and handled 106 cases since the middle of March.

The charity, which also runs the Pembroke House home in Kent for veterans and their spouses, provides financial assistance and support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families in times of need.