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The Duchess of Cambridge shares vintage photo of her grandmother to celebrate the British Red Cross

Francesca Rice
·3-min read
Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

From Prima

The Duchess of Cambridge has released a stunning vintage photograph of her grandmother, Valerie Middleton, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross on Tuesday (4 August).

Kate's paternal grandmother served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment with the British Red Cross during the Second World War.

In the black and white snap, shared on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's official Instagram account, @KensingtonRoyal, on Tuesday morning, a smiling Valerie is pictured standing in the centre of a group of British Red Cross volunteers, wearing her uniform and a nurse's hat.

View this post on Instagram

🏥 Valerie Middleton (centre), The Duchess of Cambridge’s grandmother, served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment with the @britishredcross during the Second World War. Over 75 years on, as we mark the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross, The Duchess of Cambridge has written a special letter thanking 150 nominated Red Cross staff and volunteers, which will be sent alongside a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint. For 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. As we mark this special anniversary, Members of @TheRoyalFamily have come together to recognise the work of the volunteers, staff, supporters and partners of the charity who have made a difference to the lives of millions of people who have faced crisis, both in the UK and overseas.

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Aug 4, 2020 at 2:30am PDT

After explaining Valerie's role in the British Red Cross during WWII, the accompanying caption reads: "Over 75 years on, as we mark the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross, The Duchess of Cambridge has written a special letter thanking 150 nominated Red Cross staff and volunteers, which will be sent alongside a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint."

Paying tribute to the charitable organisation's incredible work, the caption continued. "For 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are," it continues.

"As we mark this special anniversary, Members of @TheRoyalFamily have come together to recognise the work of the volunteers, staff, supporters and partners of the charity who have made a difference to the lives of millions of people who have faced crisis, both in the UK and overseas."

As well as the special letter written by Kate, the Queen sent out a message of thanks to volunteers and staff, while Prince Charles introduced a new online exhibition about the Red Cross, called 150 Voices. The Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra, also telephoned one of the organisation's longest-serving volunteers.

Royal fans were delighted by the post of Kate's grandmother, and it was inundated with thousands of likes in a matter of minutes.

Many were quick to comment on Valerie's amazing achievements, with one writing: "What a woman. The Duchess of Cambridge had an inspirational granny."

Another added: "She did a lot in service of her country. The Duchess and her family must be very proud."

Others noted the family resemblance between Kate and her grandmother, with one follower saying: "Catherine looks like her, especially in the eyes."

We have to say we agree!

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