‘More needed than ever:’ The Duchess of Cornwall sends a strong Christmas message urging the country to pick up the phone and look at lonely relatives amid a ‘very challenging year’
- The Duchess of Cornwall, 73, wrote of a wave of loneliness sweeping the country
- The Money Line supporter urged those alone at Christmas to call the helpline
- She also asked people to contact people who will be alone on this holiday
The Duchess of Cornwall has urged the country to pick up the phone and check on lonely relatives this Christmas.
Writing in Stella Magazine, Camilla, 73, published a Christmas message in which she discussed an exchange of letters she shared with a woman named Marlene.
The royal family said it received a letter earlier this year from Marlene, who lives in the north of England, telling her about the loneliness she experienced during a coronavirus lockout.
Marlene had a twisted ankle that left her unable to leave the house, adding that her daughter, who works as a nurse, was unable to visit her.
The Duchess of Cornwall, 73, (pictured) has written a message to the country urging anti-loneliness activists this Christmas to call the Money Line for help (photo file)
Camilla, who is a royal supporter of The Silver Line, said she contacted Marlene with the confidential telephone helpline.
Writing in Stella, Camilla wrote: ‘It’s a helpline that’s been a way of life for thousands and I thought Marlene could get a good reaction to loneliness in a conversation with Silver Line volunteers. ‘
She explained that Marlene wrote to her again after a conversation with the helpline saying she felt happier and more optimistic looking forward.
The Duchess pointed out that demand for the Money Line has risen by about 31 per cent in this extremely challenging year – adding that more is needed than ever. ‘
Camilla also encouraged people who think that friends or family may be spending Christmas alone to call and explore during this holiday season.
She also built on research carried out by Age UK which found that around 250,000 older people go without talking to anyone for a whole week.
The Duchess urged loneliness sufferers to contact The Silver Line, saying: ‘They have a team of amazing people, ready and waiting at the end of the phone to pick you up. ‘
She urged people to help reach out to lovers who are in danger of being alone this Christmas.
Camilla’s Christmas message comes after a stunning preview of the final episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
She joined a gathering of Strictly’s top executives, fans and stars in the emotional clips while talking about the positive impact of the 2020 series.
Camilla said: ‘I think it has just lifted our spirits, it has lifted the spirits of the whole country. ‘
She said: ‘I’m excited [about the final], I know who I will vote for! I would like, on behalf of everyone who watches Strictly, to say a big thank you to everyone.
‘Everyone who has been involved in this production, in this special year, you have brought so much joy to everyone and you have built the country!’