Queen’s coronavirus speech to focus on 'quiet good-humored resolve and fellow-feeling' of this generation
Queen Elizabeth II is set to address the nation in a rare speech on Sunday after the death toll in England saw a rapid increase. The Queen was originally set to speak on Easter Sunday, however, the situation called for an earlier address and the 93-year-old monarch is reportedly going to urge her people to take pride in their response to COVID-19. "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge," she is expected to say.
According to a report in Daily Mail, she would also say, "And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humored resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterize this country." The televised broadcast was recorded by a sole cameraman who was in protective clothing. The broadcast was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, where she remains in isolation with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
This happens to be the fifth such address in the Queen's 68-year reign and here are the other times when she had addressed the nation.
British View of the Gulf War: February 24, 1991
Speaking about the British View of the Ground War in the Persian Gulf, the Queen had said in a televised statement, "As a nation, we are rightly proud of our armed forces. That pride has been fully justified by their conduct in the Gulf war so far. As they, with our allies, face a fresh and yet sterner challenge, I hope that we can unite, and pray that their success will be as swift as it is certain and that it may be achieved with as small a cost in human life and suffering as possible. Then may the true reward of their courage be granted- a just and lasting peace."
The Death of Diana, Princess of Wales: September 5, 1997
The Queen had received criticism for waiting too long to speak to the public about Princess Diana's death, something that sources claim the monarch wants to avoid as the country faces COVID-19.
Here's what she said in the televised speech. "Since last Sunday's dreadful news we have seen, throughout Britain and around the world, an overwhelming expression of sadness at Diana's death. We have all been trying in our different ways to cope. It is not easy to express a sense of loss since the initial shock is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings: disbelief, incomprehension, anger - and concern for those who remain. We have all felt those emotions in these last few days. So what I say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart. First, I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness."
She added, "I admired and respected her - for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys. This week at Balmoral, we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered. No-one who knew Diana will ever forget her. Millions of others who never met her, but felt they knew her, will remember her."
The death of the Queen Mother: April 8, 2002
The Queen had addressed the nation on the eve of her mother’s funeral to pay tribute to the Queen Mother who had passed on March 30, 2002, at the age of 101. Speaking of her mother, she said, "Ever since my beloved mother died over a week ago, I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection which has accompanied her death," and added, "My family and I always knew what she meant for the people of this country and the special place she occupied in the hearts of so many here, in the Commonwealth and in other parts of the world. But the extent of the tribute that huge numbers of you have paid my mother in the last few days has been overwhelming. I have drawn great comfort from so many individual acts of kindness and respect."
To mark her Diamond Jubilee: March 20, 2012
To march her reign as the Queen spanning 60 years, she had addressed the nation to thank people for the celebration and had said, "The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience. It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbors, and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere."
The Queen will address the nation on April 5, at 8 pm about the pandemic caused by COVID-19 that has resulted in 38,172 being tested positive for the virus with a death toll of 3,605 according to WHO.