Queen Calls For Strength During Coronavirus Fight In Address To Nation

The Queen has addressed the nation and urged the country to prove that this generation is "as strong as any" in its battle with the coronavirus.

It is only the fourth time the Queen has addressed the nation during a time of national crisis or grief during her 68-year-reign. 

In the broadcast Her Majesty recognised the pain felt by many families living through this "time of disruption". 

She also thanked frontline NHS staff, care workers and others carrying out essential roles for their efforts, as the number of UK deaths following a COVID-19 diagnosis continues to rise beyond 4,300.

The Armed Forces have bolstered the UK's defences to the outbreak, providing medical equipment to healthcare staff treating patients and helping to plan and build temporary field hospitals as part of a wider support effort.

The COVID Support Force encompasses the military's contribution to the UK's coronavirus fight.

Although the address did not draw upon any direct parallels between the current pandemic and Britain during the Second World War, Her Majesty did reflect on her first ever radio broadcast in 1940.

The Queen, then a princess, and her sister Margaret spoke to children who had been evacuated.

"We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety."

Her Majesty also ended her address saying: "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," echoing the words of Dame Vera Lynn's famous wartime song 'We'll Meet Again'.

"I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time," the Queen added.

"A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all."

She continued: "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.

"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-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country."

Her Majesty, aged 93, the pre-recorded message was filmed by a single camera operator wearing protective equipment.

This week, Prince Charles, 71, came out of self-isolation after a positive coronavirus diagnosis.