Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been the President of UKFT for more than 35 years and during that time has been a passionate supporter of the UK fashion and textile industry and a great champion of the innovative, skilled and creative individuals and companies within it.

She has written to express her best wishes during this difficult time and to extend her thanks to all who work within the UK fashion and textile industry. “I am well aware of the many challenges and hardships faced by the industry and the people it employs, in companies large and small…,” she writes. “My thoughts are with you all and your families. Thank you for all you do, wherever you are.”

Read the full letter below

MESSAGE FROM HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

UKFT is in constant dialogue with the government and is outlining the latest support available for businesses on our website. We will update the details as and when the situation changes. 

UKFT CORONAVIRUS GUIDANCE

“As I have had to cancel my visits to UK Fashion and Textile members around the country due to the outbreak of Covid-19, I wanted to let you know that I am well aware of the many challenges and hardships faced by the industry and the people it employs, in companies large and small.

The UK fashion and textile industry is continually renewing itself, adapting to a constantly changing world. I know from UKFT that a number of companies in this industry are actively offering to support the NHS with personal protective clothing, with some switching production from traditional products, for which the industry is known, to much needed hand-sanitiser and other products for UK care homes. It is at times like these when we see our communities and industries come together to work for the common good. Others, regrettably, have had to temporarily with workers staying at home on furlough support but we hope that all will stay safe until it is safe for life to return to some normality.

I very much enjoy my visits to UKFT members around the country and having the opportunity to meet with the people and their skills behind the companies and brands. I look forward to resuming my visits as soon as the situation allows and, in the meantime, my thoughts are with you all and your families.

Thank you for all you do, wherever you are.”

MESSAGE FROM HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL