Coronavirus: Queen makes deeply personal historic address
The Queen says she is confident Australians will ‘rise to the challenge’ of the pandemic after a summer of devastating bushfires.
The Queen says she is confident that Australians will “rise to the challenge” of the coronavirus pandemic after a summer of devastating bushfires.
Elizabeth, 93, said people across the Commonwealth were experiencing a profound and rapid change to their lives, the pain of lost loved ones and an understandable concern about the future.
“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,” she said in a seperate statement on Monday after she gave an historic television address to Britain and Commonwealth nations.
“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. I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”
In a deeply personal address to the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II drew on Britain’s wartime spirit, including a radio address she made 80 years ago to distraught evacuated children during the Blitz and also to the lines made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, “We’ll meet again”, reassuring citizens there was a future beyond coronavirus.
The Queen recorded the three-and-a-half minute address several days ago from Windsor Castle, where she is with her husband, 98-year-old Prince Philip, and just two staff.
The Queen referenced her first address to the nation as a 13-year-old with her younger sister Margaret.
Her Majesty The Queen addresses the UK and the Commonwealth in a special broadcast recorded at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/HjO1uiV1Tm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 5, 2020
“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 and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.”
The Queen, 93, wearing a green dress, also praised the work being done throughout the Commonwealth by essential workers.
“Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heartwarming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.
“And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.”
The Queen then finished her speech — only the fifth outside of the annual Christmas address in her 68 year reign — by invoking a cultural war reference to bolster the spirit of the Commonwealth nations, all battling the coronavirus pandemic.
“While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. 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.
“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. But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”
More Coverage
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service†- Princess Elizabeth, 1947.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 5, 2020
Her Majesty, Head of the Commonwealth, made a lifelong commitment to its service on her 21st birthday.
Read in full: https://t.co/iAHUFtPVX1 pic.twitter.com/cuZUfpsdwE
Albanese’s foreign policy racked by cowardice and confusion on Israel
Either this Labor government supports Israel in its fight against Iran and the barbarism of Hezbollah and Hamas, or it doesn’t.
Biden, Harris condemn anti-Semitism and recognise ‘indomitable’ Israeli spirit
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have marked the one year anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel as a day of ‘mourning’ and endorsed the right of the Jewish state to defend itself.