The Queen Elizabeth has embraced working digitally, and declared in a recent virtual visit: “Thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.”
For months, the Queen Elizabeth has been unable to carry out her duties as normal because of the threat of COVID-19. However, she has embraced working digitally, and declared in a recent virtual visit: “Thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.”
The Queen Elizabeth took part in a video call with accounting firm KPMG last week to mark their 150th anniversary, hearing the stories of four employees from across the UK. She also listened to the staff choir perform a pre-recorded version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and described the singing as “lovely.” Dressed comfortably in a pale blue cardigan and white shirt, the Queen participated in the video call from Windsor Castle where she and Prince Philip are staying with selected staff and where they will spend Christmas.
“It sounds as though it’s all going very well in spite of all the difficulties,” the Queen Elizabeth said to the four staff members. “It is difficult when people are used to being so close to each other, and everybody’s been divided up so much. Well thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.”
During the call, the Queen Elizabeth spoke to KPMG Partner John McCalla-Leacy, who was recently elected as KPMG UK’s first black Board member and has spearheaded the firm’s work to improve inclusion and diversity. Per Buckingham Palace, John shared the firm’s commitment to diversity initiatives and their continued efforts to further inclusion in the accountancy profession. He also spoke about how, as a young athlete, he was supported by The Prince’s Trust and went on to become an international white-water canoe slalom competitor.
“Ma’am, I’d like to ask that you please pass on my sincere gratitude to HRH The Prince of Wales for The Prince’s Trust,” John said. “Receiving the support that I did and when I did changed my life and I will never forget it, nor will I cease in my efforts to work with my fellow partners and others to use my position of influence to support and encourage others.”
The Queen replied: “I’ll indeed pass it on to my son, who is very proud of the idea of The Prince’s Trust, which I think has helped a lot of people.” Also on the call were Bill Michael, the KPMG’s UK Chair and Senior Partner, Jennifer Lee, KPMG’s youngest Office Senior Partner, Cheryl Valentine, who joined KPMG as part of their Forces in the Firm military leavers program, and David McIntosh, who joined KPMG as an apprentice in 2017.
The video call was one of several that the Queen has carried out since making visits in person stopped being possible. She has also conducted audiences via video link, with the people she is greeting standing before a video screen in Buckingham Palace while she receives them on screen at Windsor. Buckingham Palace announced at the start of this month that the Queen and Philip will spend Christmas “quietly” at Windsor instead of making the traditional journey to Sandringham.
Originally Published at YAHOO