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The Queen addresses the nation and says “better days will return” Posted On 06 April 2020

On Sunday the Queen gave a televised address to the nation – only the fifth time she has done so during her 68-year reign

Although she broadcasts a recorded message on Christmas Day each year, the only other times she has addressed the nation was during the First Gulf War in 1991, after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, the Queen Mother’s death in 2002 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Making reference to the current coronavirus pandemic, the Queen made special mention of the tireless work by those on the frontline: “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.

“I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.”

And she also appealed to the nation to unite together and stay at home to help protect those most vulnerable: “I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.

“Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.

“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.

“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.

You can watch the full speech here https://www.facebook.com/TheBritishMonarchy/videos/2358703041088798/

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