The Queen delivers heartfelt message amid coronavirus pandemic
Queen Elizabeth II has urged the UK to “work as one” in tackling the coronavirus pandemic as she left for Windsor Castle a week earlier than planned.
In a message to the nation, the 93-year-old thanked scientists, medics and emergency staff for their work, but emphasised that everyone has an important role to play as individuals.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
The monarch said she and her family “stand ready to play our part”.
The message came after the Queen was leaving Buckingham Palace with a dog on Thursday morning local time. She is now at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, with the couple being expected to stay there beyond the Easter period.
Royal schedules have also been adjusted in an effort to help limit the spread of the new coronavirus. The Queen’s annual Buckingham Palace garden parties will be postponed until next year and upcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden were deferred.
The country’s coronavirus-related death toll reached 137 as of Wednesday afternoon. The UK government has advised the public to avoid unnecessary contact and travel.