THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised the children of key workers at a Lancashire primary school with a special Easter-themed virtual visit.  

Schoolchildren at Casterton Primary in Burnley were treated to the very first royal visit by William and Kate in an online video call on Wednesday.

Throughout the duration of the visit, the Duke and Duchess praised NHS staff and other key workers for the ‘amazing job’ they are doing to help keep with country moving throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Bosses at the Thames Avenue school have now reached out on social media to thank the couple for taking the time to talk to their ‘family of children and staff.’

During the video call, which lasted around an hour, William and Kate answered questions from the children and thanked all of the hard-working teachers looking after them

In a clip of the call, Kate can be seen saying: "To you and everyone who is in during this time, it must be such a relief for all the parents who are key workers to know that their children have the normality and structure and they've got a safe place for them to be.

"So really, really well done and for all of you, I know it's not easy circumstances, but it's fantastic."

A teacher replied: "Thank you so much. I think everyone is just pleased to be able to help."

William added: "Good northern volunteering spirit going on up there, very good of you!"

There was a lighter moment when one of the children asked the future king: "The first William was William the Conqueror. What do you want to be called?"

The duke laughed before bashfully swerving the question, saying: "I don't think I can answer that."

When the youngsters showed off their self-made bunny ears, William laughed, saying: "I like your bunny ears, they look like the real deal - that's a strong look!"

Kate began the introductions, saying: "What are your names? Very nice to meet you. I'm Catherine and this is William next to me," before asking them if they were holding up pictures of their "mummies and daddies".

Harris replied: "This is a picture of my mum and she works for the NHS as an admin for the health visitors and I'm really proud of her."

Impressed with the artwork, the duke, 37, replied: "Well done you! Can you hold it up a bit to your left so we can see it - that's it, brilliant! Look at that, that's a great picture, well done."

Kate said: "Ah, great photo - well done, it's brilliant. I agree you should be very proud of her, they're doing an amazing job all the NHS workers, so well done you."

During the virtual visit, 18 children were rotated in front of the camera in groups due to social distancing.

The school has also remained open as a hub for five local academies that are all part of the Pendle Education Trust.

Anita Ghidotti, chief executive of the Pendle Education Trust, speaking about the children's reaction to the royal encounter said: "They couldn't believe it. It was just absolutely fantastic."