Queen Elizabeth gives British heart: “We will overcome this crisis”

The British Queen Elizabeth spoke to her people on television on Sunday night because of the corona crisis. The 93-year-old Queen encouraged the British and thanked caregivers and those who “stay home to protect the vulnerable”. The recorded speech, part of which had already been released by Buckingham Palace, could also be followed on radio and social media.

Elizabeth said to address the people at a time of “disruption that is causing much grief to some.” She also mentioned the heavy financial consequences and the “enormous changes” for many people.

“Together, we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and determined, we will overcome this virus.” Furthermore, Elizabeth said she hopes that “in the coming years everyone can be proud of the way this challenge has been taken up”. The Queen of England also noted that the corona crisis would show that the current generation of Britons is just as strong as previous generations.

At the end of her speech, Elizabeth urged the people that better times will follow after the corona crisis. “The better days will return. We will be with our friends again, and we will be with our families again. We are going to meet again. But for now, I send my thanks and warm wishes to all of you.”

It is not often that the Queen, who has reigned for 68 years, addresses the people. Apart from the annual Christmas speech, that only happened four times before. This happened during the Gulf War in 1991, when Princess Diana (1997) and Elizabeth’s mother (2002) died and during her diamond jubilee in 2012.

In Great Britain, nearly 48,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus for the time being. Approximately 5,000 people died from the consequences.