Covid 19 coronavirus: Prince William receives first vaccine dose

The Duke of Cambridge took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the vaccine roll-out. Photo / Instagram

Prince William has received his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Duke of Cambridge shared a photo of himself receiving the shot on social media, and took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the roll-out of the vaccination programme.

"On Tuesday I received my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine," the royal wrote on Instagram.

"To all those working on the vaccine roll-out, thank you for everything you've done and continue to do."

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William, 38, received his first coronavirus injection at the London Science Museum on Tuesday.

It is not known whether his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has received her first dose.

The Duke of Cambridge contracted the virus in April last year, around the same time his father, Prince Charles, caught Covid as well.

He reportedly kept his diagnosis secret as he did "not want to alarm" the country.

According to reports, the Duke of Cambridge contracted coronavirus in April and was "struggling to breathe", which created "panic" after he was knocked hard by the virus.

While speaking at an engagement, the Duke shared with an observer: "There were important things going on and I didn't want to worry anyone."

After the UK Prime Minister was admitted to hospital, the Queen then delivered her "we will meet again" address, and William felt it was not the right time to say anything.

A source told the Sun: "He felt there were more important things going on in the country.

"But as a result of his own experiences, he realises absolutely anyone can catch this awful disease - and knows how imperative it is that we all take this second lockdown seriously."

The source continued: "William was hit pretty hard by the virus. It really knocked him for six.

"At one stage he was struggling to breathe, so obviously everyone around him was pretty panicked.

"After seeing medics and testing positive - which was obviously quite a shock given how fit and healthy he is - William was determined it should be business as usual though.

"He was determined to fulfil his engagements."

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That month, William continued working and made 14 telephone and video calls, all while battling the virus.

And despite the impact the virus had on him, the father-of-three continued to contact frontline NHS workers to tell them how "proud" he was of their commitment.

On April 16, he opened Birmingham's Nightingale Hospital via video link and sang the praises of the staff there, praising them as a "wonderful example".

He was also filmed outside Anmer Hall leading wife Kate and their three children George, 7, Charlotte, 5, and Louis, 2, in a "Clap for Carers" message.