We have a snippet of The Queen’s video message that will air tomorrow, to reassure the nation during such a trying time.
In her message, recorded in Windsor Castle’s White Drawing Room, The Queen uses deeply personal words, a source tells Sky. She says: “I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.
The Queen has recorded a video message to reassure the public. Picture by i-Images / Pool
“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.”
The Monarch, who turns 94 this month, will also praise the work of those frontline workers, including NHS staff, carers and shop workers who have been keeping the country going.
“I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” The Queen says. “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.”
The Queen has only given 4 other video addresses in her reign (NASA)
This is only the fifth video message The Queen has given to her people in her 68-year-reign. Two were at times of royal deaths, one was for her Diamond Jubilee, and the other at the time of the Gulf War in 1981.
It is our belief that the time for a royal message has been chosen now because the peak of the crisis is expected imminently.
The latest figures from the Department of Health showed the number of coronavirus deaths stood at 4,313 as of 5pm on Friday, up from 3,605 the day before.
Windsor Castle looks to be the royal base for some time, until the pandemic is over. It is from here that Elizabeth II is being kept up to date.
In a message the government is keen to reinforce, the Queen will thank those who are following the official guidance to stay at home to protect the vulnerable.
The White Drawing Room was chosen at Windsor for filming because it allowed a safe distance between The Queen and the cameraman; we are told that he was wearing a face mask and gloves. Specific advice was given by the Medical Household to lessen any risk.
