Princess Eugenie urges people to join in round of applause for NHS workers from their homes

The Royal Family has been working hard to encourage support for the health service during the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, Princess Eugenie, 29, has urged people to thank NHS workers’ efforts by giving them a round of applause from their homes next week.

In a post on her Instagram Story, the Queen’s granddaughter called on her one million followers to join her in cheering on medical staff on Thursday at 8pm.

She shared a message which read: “During these unprecedented times they need to know that we are grateful.

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“Please join us on: 26 March at 8pm for a big applause (from front rooms, garden, balcony, windows, living room etc) to show all nurses; doctors; gps and carers our appreciation for their ongoing hard work and fight against this virus.

“Please share this message so we can make sure the word spreads and reaches all to join.”

The campaign - called #clapforourcarers - has also been promoted by other well-known figures including Harry Maguire as well as politicians Chukka Umunna and Yvette Cooper.

Captioning a Twitter post, the footballer wrote: “Let’s show the NHS staff how much we appreciate the amazing work they are doing.”

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It comes as Eugenie’s mum Sarah Ferguson partnered with Love Cocoa who are donating chocolate to NHS workers this weekend.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the Duchess of York, 60, wrote: “I am delighted to be working with @lovecocoa.

“This weekend, they will be donating chocolate to @nhsenglandldn workers around the UK, from every product sold on their website.

“It is wonderful to see a British company supporting the hospitals and these incredible workers.

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“In addition to that, for every chocolate bar sold in 2020, Love Cocoa will be planting a new tree in Cameroon #coronavirus #nhs #lovecocoa #UK.”

Her youngest daughter also shared the announcement on her Instagram Story, adding: “Ahead of Mother's Day I wanted to share this… my mother has teamed up with Love Cocoa where you can buy one treat and donate one to the NHS workers working tirelessly and saving so many lives."

It comes as the duchess’ other daughter Princess Beatrice, 31, was forced to cancel her wedding reception due to the coronavirus outbreak.

She was due to marry her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on 29 May, with a private celebration following the ceremony to be hosted by the Queen.

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In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi are very much looking forward to getting married but are equally aware of the need to avoid undertaking any unnecessary risks in the current circumstances.

“In line with government advice for the UK and beyond, the couple are reviewing their arrangements for 29 May.

“They are particularly conscious of government advice in relation to both the wellbeing of older family members and large gatherings of people.

“Therefore, the planned reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens will not take place.

“The couple will carefully consider government advice before deciding whether a private marriage might take place amongst a small group of family and friends.”