Valerie Middleton volunteered as a nurse for the British Red Cross, following in the footsteps of her own mother Olive Middleton.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, today paid tribute to both women as the royal family marked 150 years of the British Red Cross.

She said: “On this anniversary, I would like to thank and remember the many thousands of staff and volunteers who over the years have contributed tirelessly to the organisation’s work, including my great-grandmother, Olive, and my grandmother, Valerie, who both served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment with the British Red Cross.

“Olive during the First World War and Valerie during the Second World War.”

Her words came in a letter to 150 inspirational Red Cross staff, who were also given a commemorative anniversary coin.

Valerie Middleton had an eventful war, working not only as a nurse but also as a code breaker at Britain’s Bletchley Park, where the German enigma code was cracked.

Olive Middleton learned the horrors of war working as a nurse during World War I, after her cousin’s estate was turned into a field hospital.

Soldiers severely wounded on the Western Front were treated by her at Gledhow Hall, in Leeds, in the north of England, the Daily Telegraph reported.

In her letter, Kate said: “Like you and many others, they are both part of the rich history of the British Red Cross, which is helping to ensure many people get the support they need during a crisis.

“In recent months, I have been deeply moved by the work you and your colleagues have continued to do throughout the coronavirus pandemic. You have all been doing an inspiring job supporting vulnerable people.”

Queen Elizabeth II also thanked staff and volunteers of the British Red Cross.

She said: “As Patron of the British Red Cross I send my warmest congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Society on the occasion of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.

“Whether those involved in the Society are assisting people to return home from hospital safely, offering care and support in the aftermath of a disaster, volunteering in a shop, administering first aid or some of the many other activities the British Red Cross encompasses, their contribution is recognised, valued and greatly appreciated.

“I send my heartfelt thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”