Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday encouraged the British to "stand firm" against the deadly coronavirus pandemic, assuring that they would eventually win, in a historic television intervention that testified to the severity of the crisis.
Addressing people directly from Windsor Castle, west of London, the sovereign alluded to World War II to encourage them to be resilient in the face of the disease, which has already killed nearly 5,000 people. in the country. "I hope that in the years to come, everyone can be proud of the way in which we have taken up this challenge," she said in this recorded speech, of just over four minutes.
"And those who will succeed us will say that the British of this generation were as strong as the others", and that "the qualities of self-discipline, benevolent determination and camaraderie always characterize this country", she added, in a "deeply personal" speech according to his services.
"Better days"
The sovereign, who served as a mechanic during the war, let glimpse a light at the end of the tunnel. "We will win - and this victory will be for each of us," she said. “While we may have to endure more, we should find comfort in the fact that better days will come: we will find our friends; we will find our families; we will meet again. "
Due to the epidemic, Elisabeth II withdrew with her husband, Prince Philip, to Windsor Castle. Aged 93 and 98 respectively, they are part of the population at risk from coronavirus.
Elisabeth II also thanked the nursing staff, on the front line in the fight against the disease which also suffered her eldest son, Crown Prince Charles. She recognized the "pain" and "financial hardship" that many families face in this "troubled time".
Rare speeches
She also greeted the British who stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus, according to official instructions. This televised address is the fourth of Elizabeth II in crisis since the start of her reign 68 years ago, even if she wishes the nation every year at Christmas.
The three previous speeches of Elizabeth II in times of crisis or mourning took place in 1991 during the first Gulf War, in 1997 on the eve of Princess Diana's funeral, and in 2002 after the death of her mother. A fifth speech in 2012 marked the 60th anniversary of his reign.
People
VIDEO. Coronavirus: How did Prince Charles experience his Covid-19 infection?
High-Tech
Coronavirus: With Containment, Mobile Game Downloads Reach Records
- Coronavirus
- Queen Elizabeth II
- United Kingdom