The Queen Is Expected to Give a Rare Televised Address About Coronavirus

For only the fourth time in her almost 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth is expected to give a special address to the nation. The televised speech, which will take place in the coming weeks, will focus on the developing pandemic that is gripping the UK and the world. According to The Times (opens in new tab), the Queen will speak to the British public as the coronavirus crisis worsens, likely to share words of encouragement.

This marks only the fourth time in history that she will give a special address to the public. The Queen last made an unexpected televised address in 2002, on the eve of her mother's funeral. Before this, she spoke to the public in 1997 following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and in 1991, when she addressed the nation during the Gulf War.

Last week, the Queen shared a personal written message with the nation, where she stressed the "vitally important role" the public has to play in the COVID-19 crisis, something which she will likely reiterate in her address.

"We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them," wrote the Queen. "At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal."

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