Queen Elizabeth Took Some Major Precautions to Give the U.K. Some Hope During This Crisis
Queen Elizabeth is doing her best to instill hope amid the coronavirus pandemic. Her Majesty addressed the nation over the weekend and encouraged everyone to stay strong during this “time of disruption.” The speech is sure to inspire millions of people, and Queen Elizabeth made sure to take some major precautions to broadcast her message across the U.K.
Queen Elizabeth addresses the UK
Over the weekend, Queen Elizabeth addressed the nation about the coronavirus crisis. The move was a rare one for the 93-year-old monarch, who has only given three televised speeches during her reign.
With the world trying to contain the virus, Express reports that Her Majesty recognized the hardships that people are suffering all across the country. She also highlighted the importance of helping each other during this time of crisis and assured everyone that they are “as strong as any” generation she has encountered.
“I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time. A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all,” she shared. “I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.”
Queen Elizabeth also thanked frontline health professionals for their hard work on the front lines of the crisis. This includes caregivers and NHS staffers, who are doing their best to care for the sick.
Her Majesty, who turns 94 years old in a few weeks, spoke from inside Windsor Castle. She left the confines of Buckingham Palace a few weeks ago and is practicing social distancing alongside her husband, Prince Philip.
Her Majesty took major precautions to give her speech
At the age of 93, Queen Elizabeth took a major risk giving a televised speech to the nation. In order to reduced the chances of her catching the virus, Her Majesty took some major precautions with the filming crew.
Only one cameraman filmed the speech, and the person wore proper personal protective equipment.
The address was filmed inside Windsor Castle and everyone involved in the process adhered to strict social distancing guidelines. They also picked the White Drawing Room for the speech because it is spacious enough to allow for safe distancing.
Queen Elizabeth will likely remain at Windsor Castle with her husband until the pandemic is under control. The royals have already canceled future events for this month and further delays might arise if things do not get any better.
The last time Queen Elizabeth gave a televised speech was back in 2002 following the Queen Mother’s passing. She also addressed the nation in 1997 after Princess Diana’s tragic death and in 1991 during the Gulf War.
Queen Elizabeth’s address encourages a nation
Queen Elizabeth’s speech was aired on TV, radio, and social media. It was released to the entire U.K. as well as some nations in the Commonwealth.
Given how the entire U.K. (and much of the world) is under lockdown, a government spokesperson told Express that Her Majesty’s address could not have come at a better time.
“As a nation, we are faced by a profoundly challenging situation, which we are only too aware threatens the livelihoods, businesses and welfare of millions of our fellow citizens,” Charles stated. “None of us can say when this will end, but end it will. Until it does, let us all try and live with hope and, with faith in ourselves and each other, look forward to better times to come.”
Buckingham Palace has not revealed the status of Queen Elizabeth’s health. Palace officials have assured the public that Her Majesty is in good health and is following the advice of medical professionals.
It is unclear if Queen Elizabeth has been tested for the coronavirus. Health concerns arose after Prince Charles tested positive for the virus and had been in meetings with Her Majesty days before he was believed to be infectious.
Prince Charles offers a health update
Charles is the first member of the royal family to have tested positive for the coronavirus. After dealing with mild symptoms, Charles recently revealed that he has recovered fully and will remain at his estate in Scotland with Camilla Parker Bowles, who did not contract the virus.
Taking to social media, Charles posted his own message about the ongoing crisis. The Prince of Wales admitted that the pandemic is a “profoundly challenging situation” and encouraged people that it will eventually come to an end.
“We’re two weeks into some very restrictive measures on the public. We’re asking people to stay indoors, to not go about their life in the usual way,” the spokesperson stated. “Sadly, we have also seen a significant number of deaths over the course of the past week.”
Charles is no longer in self-isolation but will not be appearing in public anytime soon. Members of the royal family — including Queen Elizabeth — are only conducting business over the phone and will remain out of the spotlight until things settle down.
