
- On Sunday night, at 8 p.m. in the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II (opens in new tab) delivered a televised address to the UK and the Commonwealth about the coronavirus pandemic.
- The speech was broadcast on television and radio, as well as live on the Royal Family's social media (opens in new tab) channels.
- In the speech, the Queen stressed the importance of social distancing and isolation and her gratitude for healthcare workers.
On Sunday night, Queen Elizabeth delivered a televised address (opens in new tab) to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth (and, thanks to the power of social media, to the entire world, really) about the continuing coronavirus pandemic (opens in new tab).
The Queen began by acknowledging the struggles, both personal and financial (opens in new tab), many have faced since the beginning of the pandemic. She went on to thank healthcare workers and all citizens who are doing their part to stop the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing (opens in new tab) and staying at home as much as possible.
"Those 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, to pause and reflect in prayer or meditation. It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister," she said, referring to her World War II address.
Her Majesty The Queen addresses the UK and the Commonwealth in a special broadcast recorded at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/HjO1uiV1TmApril 5, 2020
Addresses like this one from the monarch are rare. In fact, the Queen has only addressed the nation (opens in new tab) three times before this since she took the throne in 1952—at the start of the Gulf War in 1991, after Princess Diana's death (opens in new tab) in 1997, and following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
"While we have faced challenges before, this one is different," the Queen said near the end of her speech. "This time, we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor, 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."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
subscribe here (opens in new tab)
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
This Year’s Hottest Wine Club
The subscription service made by wine lovers, for wine lovers.
By Sponsored
-
Found: Bracelets to Fall For
Get ready to mix, match, and stack.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Jamie Lee Curtis Posed Topless on a Magazine Cover at 50 and People "Lost Their Minds," Apparently
Why are people like this?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn