The Queen has released a statement from Windsor Castle in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her Majesty insists that she and her family are ‘ready to play our part’ in helping to overcome the virus.
She called the current situation ‘a period of great concern and uncertainty’.
The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are now at Windsor. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
“As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.”
The Duke of Edinburgh joined his wife at the castle, travelling from Sandringham The Duke is 98, and Her Majesty turns 94 next month.
“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.
Calling on other tough times faced by Britain, the Monarch wrote: “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.”
Of course, the Monarch and her husband have lived through WWII, with the Duke on active service in the Navy during that time.
Thanking those working to save lives and develop new ways to stop the virus, The Queen said: “We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months.”
“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”
The State Visit from the new Emperor and Empress of Japan has been cancelled today, too; it will be rescheduled for another time.
We also know that this year’s garden parties have been halted, while The Queen reviews the remainder of her schedule. She is staying at Windsor for the time being, expected to last longer than the usual Easter Court.
Princess Beatrice and fiance Edo have cancelled their wedding reception in the palace gardens and are considering a small, intimate affair to lessen the risk to their friends and family.
