This year, Easter looked quite different for families around the globe. The usual big gatherings were replaced by smaller, more intimate ones. Trips to church were swapped out for livestreamed services. While it feels like a break from tradition, Queen Elizabeth wanted to assure the UK these changes are temporary ones.
On Sunday, Her Majesty delivered the first Easter address of her reign. The Queen emphasized the importance of faith during these tough times. She reminded viewers that canceling physical celebrations does not cancel the spirit and meaning of the holiday.
The message, shared on the royal family's social media accounts, came just one week after a special televised address. Last weekend, the monarch assured everyone that they would stay strong and rise up in the face of the pandemic.
The Queen's messages have served as great pillars of hope. While people are worried about the various fallouts from this in their personal lives, they're also concerned about the soon-to-be 94-year-old's health.
The coronavirus pandemic impacted celebrations across the globe on Sunday. Families who were used to large gatherings and visits to church had to adjust as people across the globe continue to stay home to lessen the spread of the virus. To some, it felt like Easter had been canceled.
Queen Elizabeth decided that her countrymen needed her more than ever. She delivered her first Easter message, where she assured people across the UK and around the world tuning in that the holiday was far from canceled. Her message, full of wise words and symbolism, was just what many needed.
"Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none," she began.
"They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us."
"As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit," she continued.
"It's a way of showing how the good news of Christ's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now."
"This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't canceled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever," she emphasized.
"The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us."
"As dark as death can be — particularly for those suffering with grief — light and life are greater," she concluded.
"May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future. I wish everyone of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter."
Many fans of the royal family took to social media to share how comforted they were by the message. They believed the Queen's dedication to spreading messages of light and hope was a testament to the power of her leadership. Though she may not always be the first to speak out, when she does her messages are powerful.
Queen Elizabeth wasn't the only one looking to spread the Easter spirit. Prince Charles, who seems to be recovering well from his own bout of COVID-19, also shared something special for the holiday.
"The Prince recorded a reading of John 20: 1-18 earlier this week, which relates the story of Jesus’ resurrection," Clarence House announced. "The reading can be heard in both a podcast by Westminster Abbey and a video Eucharist service from Canterbury Cathedral."
Prince William and Kate kept their Easter message short and sweet. They also included an important reminder for those who might be tempted to break stay-at-home orders on the holiday: "Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter #StayHomeSaveLives."
The couple has hit their stride in showing organizations support while maintaining social distancing. On Thursday, the couple video-chatted with students at the Casterton Primary Academy. The school is one of several schools keeping their doors open to help the children of first responders.
William was recently named patron to the National Emergencies Trust, which has played a major role in coronavirus responses in the UK. It launched a fundraising effort to help both individuals and organizations that help individuals who are impacted by recent changes and events. William has checked in with a number of those organizations as well, such as community farm Dal Dy Dir.
William has also checked in with Moorlands Community Charity. "The charity runs a food bank and are delivering freshly cooked hot meals to increasing numbers of isolated individuals, and have seen a significant rise in referrals to the service since the outbreak of Covid-19," the post explained.
"Moorlands accessed NET funding extremely quickly in order to purchase emergency rations of female sanitary products, nappies, baby milk powder and toilet rolls, that had been in short supply due to stockpiling."
The royal family is sometimes criticized for being slow to respond to the unexpected. An institution that relies so heavily on planning and tradition often finds itself behind the curve in such situations. Still, it seems Britons are finding comfort in the efforts shown by royals thus far.
With two messages in as many weeks, it's clear that Queen Elizabeth understands the need for togetherness and community in a time when we can't physically gather. Her efforts and the efforts of her family are a reminder that despite being stuck at home, we all still have the power to make a difference. The Queen's 94th birthday is just around the corner, and while it makes Britons that much more anxious about her health and well-being, she's proven she's steadfast and wise as ever.
