With the likes of Zoom and Facetime driving many working from home to distraction, the monarch left her children and grandchildren to fumble with faulty audio feeds while she opted for tradition.
A video montage released by the royal family today shows no less than eight British royals clubbing together to give hardworking frontline nurses a boost.
Only Elizabeth opted against the computer, and took the telephone instead.
The Buckingham Palace film, therefore, shows only a sound wave during an audio recording of the 94-year-old speaking to Professor Kathleen McCourt, president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation.
She said: “Good afternoon. This is rather an important day.”
McCourt, who is also a fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, replied: “Oh it is, it’s quite special, the International Nurses Day. Being recognized by the general public.”
In a moment of typical British understatement, the Queen adds: “Yes, because they’ve obviously had a very important part to play recently.”
It is highly unusual for so many royals to join together for the same project, however, they all took turns to praise nurses across the Commonwealth.
Prince Charles said: “Thank you all so much for the diligence and courage you have shown.”
Camilla added: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Kate Middleton also teamed up with the Countess of Wessex to speak to nurses in seven different countries during a busy day of video calling.
The Duchess of Cambridge also wrote a letter to the Nursing Now campaign, which she launched in 2018 to help increase respect for the profession.
She wrote: “The crucial, and often unsung, role that nurses play in global health care is needed now more than ever.
“In this, the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented challenges in the fight against the global pandemic.
“Often putting their lives at risk and separating from loved ones to protect them from harm, they are an inspiration to us all.
“We stand behind all nurses and commend their bravery.”
The royals have made regular efforts to provide a boost for front line health workers since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Prince William and Kate appear in a film with their children taking part in Britain’s weekly Clap For Carers event, when the public lean out of windows or stand on doorsteps to applaud the NHS.
The Queen has provided leadership through a series of landmark speeches while Prince Charles and Prince William have both virtually opened hospitals.
