Queen marks World Health Day by thanking healthcare workers for 'selfless commitment'

The Queen has thanked healthcare workers for their "selfless commitment and diligence" in a message to mark World Health Day.

The monarch praised "those in the healthcare profession" for undertaking "vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the Commonwealth, and across the world."

The message follows the Queen's address to the nation on Sunday night, urging the public to stick together during the coronavirus crisis.

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In a statement, the 93-year-old said: "In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.

She added: "My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes."

Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are staying in Windsor during the Covid-19 pandemic and are in contact with the smallest number of staff as possible.

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The Royal family have been affected by the outbreak. Prince Charles spent time in self-isolation having contracted the virus, but has since made a full recovery.

The heir to the throne has also issued messages of support during the pandemic, praising medical staff as "the backbone of our remarkable NHS" in a video message.

The Duchess of Cornwall also completed 14-days of self-isolation despite testing negative for the virus. The couple were reunited on Monday.