For only the fifth time in her reign Queen Elizabeth II delivered an address to the nation, and let’s be honest a good portion of the world that had nothing to do with her annual Christmas address ( for curious folks, you can watch her Christmas address on BBC America at 10am Eastern time on Christmas Day….it doesn’t show up on your viewing guide but trust me it’ll be there).
The other four were for the deaths of Diana and the Queen Mother, Her Diamond Jubilee, and the 1991 Gulf War.
In a TV message filmed from Windsor, that was also shared across the Royal Family social media channels and the Commonwealth, as well as CNN here in the United States. Her Majesty spoke about the fantastic work of frontline workers who are keeping the UK going, from healthcare workers in the NHS, to shop staff.
The message was filmed with only the cameraman present and distanced properly from Her Majesty.
“I want to reassure you, that if we remain united and resolute, we will overcome it,” was the main thrust of the message.
The Queen words resonated as very personal, describing the pandemic as “an increasingly challenging time”.
“I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” The Monarch said.
Footage interspersed through the message showed NHS staff working, supermarket staff dealing with deliveries, and even the #ClapforourCarers movement, thanking those who are taking care of us with applause.
Drawing on her faith, something that most any royal watcher knows is of immense importance to her, and the upside of lockdown, The Queen said: “Many people of all faiths – and none – are finding an opportunity to pause and reflect in prayer or meditation.”
I was brought to tears when Elizabeth II mentioned her “very first broadcast in 1940,” when she was “helped by my sister” in speaking to evacuated children and noted the similarity to today.
‘We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety.
After all the craziness that the last few weeks has held and the continued sacrifices we’ll be asked to make here in the United States and around the world….it was just what I needed as I listened to Her Majesty. The regards in which she is held the world over, at least to me, seems to have made this address even more important at this time.
Watch the address here.
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