00:05I'm delighted to be able to welcome you, albeit in this somewhat disembodied form,
00:11to the British Red Cross's digital exhibition, 150 Voices, 150 Years.
00:19The 4th of August 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross.
00:27Since 1870, the charity has been providing support to those in crisis, no matter who they
00:34are or where in the world they might be.
00:38Through the voices of people across the United Kingdom, this exhibition celebrates those who
00:44have been an important part of Red Cross history, at home and overseas.
00:51Through giving relief to those affected by war and conflict, supporting refugees, providing
00:59health and social care in peacetime and helping people and communities hit by natural disasters,
01:07the British Red Cross has, for 150 years, shown just how powerful kindness can be.
01:15None of this would have been possible, of course, without the extraordinary dedication of the
01:22British Red Cross volunteers.
01:24Their conspicuous humanity in times of crisis offers an inspiration to us all.
01:31I'm proud to say that my family has played its own part in supporting the work of the British
01:38Red Cross throughout its history.
01:41My great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, was the very first patron in 1870.
01:48Queen Alexandra, my great-great-grandmother, as Princess of Wales in 1885, formed her own
01:55Red Cross branch to raise money to help the sick and wounded in war.
02:01As President, I have felt it to be of great importance to continue this close association,
02:08and to help in whatever small way I can, to support the extraordinary work of the Red Cross.
02:16Now I need hardly remind you that the work of the British Red Cross is as essential today
02:21as it has ever been, helping those in need both in the United Kingdom and around the world,
02:28strengthening our communities and supporting people to face the challenges of an ever-changing
02:35and unpredictable world.
02:39I would like to thank you for your interest in and support for the British Red Cross as
02:46it celebrates its 150th birthday.
02:50And I would ask you, if I may, to join me in wishing this invaluable charity continued
02:57success in its utterly vital and life-changing humanitarian work.
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