William to British vaccine scientists: ‘I’m so thrilled that you’ve cracked it’

The Duke of Cambridge has personally called Oxford researchers to congratulate them on their vaccine breakthrough, telling them: "I'm so thrilled that you've cracked it".

The British jab by AstraZeneca and Oxford University has been found to be up to 90% effective in preventing Covid-19.

In a video call on Monday, William told the scientists: "Well done, I'm so pleased for all of you, I really am.

"I saw it in everyone's faces back in June how much time and effort was going into this, and I could see that there was a lot of pressure on everyone, so I'm so thrilled that you've cracked it – so really well done."

Those on the call included Professor Andy Pollard, professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity; Professor Sarah Gilbert, professor of Vaccinology; and Professor Louise Richardson, vice chancellor of Oxford University.

They told William how the vaccine is based on decades of in-depth research and will be transformational in the next six months, offering real global potential for saving lives.

Second in line to the throne William visited the Oxford Vaccine Group and met Professor Pollard and Professor Gilbert in June to learn more about the university's work to establish a viable vaccine.