In a rare address, speaking from Windsor Castle as she self-isolates against coronavirus, the doughty 93-year-old urged Britons separated from family and friends to stay strong.
In a speech full of hope, she reminded all those cooped up at home that this crisis will end if we unite in our efforts to beat it.
And she praised the tireless efforts of frontline NHS staff and others keeping the country going.
In her rallying call, the Queen drew on her own experience of living through the Blitz, when as Princess Elizabeth she reassured children evacuated from cities being bombed.
This was only her fifth such address as Queen – and expected to be the most watched programme in British history. As the UK death toll rose to 4,934, up 621 in a day, she hailed efforts to beat Covid-19 across the globe.
And she praised grateful Brits for applauding key workers.
In her historic, rousing speech on TV and radio at 8pm, Her Majesty said:
“The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of national spirit, and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.”
The Queen spoke of her wartime broadcast, made as Winston Churchill led the battle against fascism across Europe.
She added: “ It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister. We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from loved ones. But now, as then, we know deep down it is the right thing to do. I want to thank everyone on the NHS 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.
This story is from the April 6, 2020 edition of Daily Mirror.
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This story is from the April 6, 2020 edition of Daily Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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