The Queen makes her fifth ever special address to UK

‘We will succeed & that success will belong to every one of us’: The Queen delivers a heartfelt, rallying message

The Queen addressed the UK as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its spread around the world, saying "We remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it."
Queen

On Sunday night, from Windsor Castle, the Queen addressed the UK, in only the fifth special televised broadcast in her reign, regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we have faced challenges before, this one is different,” she said. “This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed – and that success will belong to every one of us,”

She acknowledged the ‘grief and financial difficulties to many’, before thanking ‘those on the NSH front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.’

As of Sunday evening, the UK has reported 4,934 deaths from the coronavirus.

Apart from her annual Christmas message, the Queen’s speech, which was broadcast on TV, radio and on the royal family’s official instagram page, was only the fifth time she has addressed the nation following a crisis or significant event throughout her 68-year reign. 

Previous televised speeches marking events include her Diamond Jubilee in June 2012, her mother’s funeral in April 2002, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in September 1997 and at the outset of the Gulf War in February 1991.

“I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it,” she said. “I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.” 

“Those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country.”

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“What you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.” 

Prince William and Duchess Catherine shared The Queen’s speech on their official Instagram page, captioning an excerpt of her speech:  “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”

The Queen’s speech was co-written with her private secretary Sir Edward Young and filmed by a single camera-person dressed in protective equipment. 

BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the decision to make the speech was made “in close consultation with Downing Street.”

In a separate message she wrote to Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley, the Queen commended Australians for their ‘stoic and resilient nature.’

‘At a time when people across the Commonwealth are experiencing a profound and rapid change to their lives, the pain of lost loved ones, and an understandable concern about the future, my thoughts are with all Australians,’ she wrote.

‘Whilst it can be difficult to remain hopeful in such challenging times, especially following the summer’s devastating bushfires and recent flooding, I am confident that the stoic and resilient nature of the Australian people will rise to the challenge.

‘I extend my sincere admiration to the many Australians who work tirelessly to help those affected, provide essential services for their fellow citizens, and continue to care for the most vulnerable.

‘You will remain in my prayers in the coming months, with the resolute knowledge that with hard work, faith and unity, we will rise to the challenges ahead and ensure the health and vitality of all Australia’s communities.’

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