Prince William's emergency services praise

31 October 2017

Prince William praised the "inspiring" emergency services and Grenfell Tower survivors at the Pride of Britain Awards.

Prince William

Alongside Holly Willoughby and her 'This Morning' co-host Phillip Schofield, William honoured the efforts of the London Fire Brigade, presenting them with the Emergency Services Award for their actions battling the tragic Grenfell Tower fire earlier this year, which caused an estimated 80 deaths.

Speaking at the event at London's Grosvenor House on Monday night (30.10.17), William said: "We should all take a moment to understand and appreciate all emergency services personnel and what they achieve in their communities."

Holly wrote on Instagram: "Honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with the heroic firefighters of the @londonfirebrigade Awarded last night for their bravery at the horrific Grenfell fire... hugely deserved, we can not thank you enough. Also... Commissioner Dany Cotton ... what an amazing lady you are, that's true girl power! Xxx (sic)"

Presenting two Special Recognition accolades to residents and community helpers, he said: "Thank you for the hard work you've all done, the community spirit you've shown, the coming together as you did so quickly after Grenfell. I'm just so sorry that such an awful event ever occurred.

"It's truly inspiring how you all rallied to help."

William - who has son Prince George, four, and two-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte with wife Duchess Catherine - also praised the emergency services in Manchester, north west England, for their efforts following a terrorist attack in the city earlier this year.

He said: "I can't say enough how proud I am of what you do on a daily basis.

"I genuinely don't know how you see some of the things you see and I don't understand how difficult it must have been for you.

"You take those scars home with you mentally and yet you come back the next day and you still do fantastic work."

TV presenter Holly also admitted it was a "magical night" meeting the 35-year-old royal at the star-studded event.

In a caption attached to a picture of the presenting pair engaged in a conversation with William, Holly wrote on Instagram: "So this happened last night... thank you @prideofbritain for what is always a magical night.... (sic)"