Queen Elizabeth has seen a lot in her 68 years as the Queen of England. Even after six decades on the job, something new occasionally comes up to throw the monarch for a loop. Certainly, the coronavirus pandemic is one of those moments.
The extreme measures taken around the world to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have left many feeling anxious and vulnerable. The Queen hopes to quell those feelings with a special address to the nation that's in the works, People magazine reports. Queen Elizabeth has given a special address on only three other occasions. The most recent was after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
Queen Elizabeth is practicing social distance, like so many others. She and Prince Philip took to Windsor Castle a week earlier than scheduled for Easter. The belief is that the Queen will stay there until things get better with the outbreak.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has banned gatherings of more than two people. This means that when the Queen's special address is given, it will likely be contingent on using online tools to coordinate with aides.
Queen Elizabeth is preparing to do something unusual during these unusual times. People is reporting that the 93-year-old monarch is spending her time at Windsor Castle preparing to address the nation. As anxiety mounts over the coronavirus, the Queen feels it appropriate to reach out.
This would be only the fourth time in her 68-year reign that Queen Elizabeth has delivered a special address to the nation. Two of the previous addresses were in regard to the deaths of monumental royal family figures: Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. Elizabeth also delivered an address regarding the Persian Gulf War in 1992.
There's no date for the televised speech at this time. The Queen is following the lead of the government on the sensitive matter. She will follow "advice of the government as to when it might best be deployed."
The UK's prime minister, Boris Johnson, has put the country under serious social distancing orders. He's banned gatherings larger than two people in a move made to ensure the safety of citizens. That will present an extra challenge to the Queen in getting things in place for a public address.
Likely, the Queen will have to coordinate with aides and other personnel using video chatting apps. A source close to the royal family says they are "looking at everything" as they determine the logistics. They're hoping that the address will come out sometime in the upcoming weeks.
"It is a question of when, not if," a palace official told the Sunday Times. The value of an address by the Queen is that it is so rare. Now that they've decided to do it, it’s a case of when is the optimum time. The Queen wants to get it right.
The royal family has scattered since leaving London, the center of the UK outbreak. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip went to Windsor Castle a week ahead of a scheduled Easter break there. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have gone to Birkhall, Charles’ home on the Queen’s Balmoral estate.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, will head to Amner Hall, their country home. They'll reevaluate returning to London with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis after Easter. Their return would likely be the first. As the youngest members of the senior royal family, they'd likely be on the front lines of future physical response measures.
To be able to keep in touch with her scattered family, as well as receive government updates and speaking with significant officials, the Queen has been given a crash course on learning how to use Skype and FaceTime. Royal aides are also working on getting the Queen the necessary equipment for video conferencing so that she can speak to as many people as necessary at once.
It's believed that 10 Downing Street is also deeply invested in getting the timing of the Queen's address right. "There is no one more experienced than Her Majesty and she will know exactly the right moment to address the country," a source tells the Daily Mail.
"Sadly, there are some very difficult times ahead. The country is going to be hurting. The voice of Her Majesty will provide calm reassurance that, ultimately, we will get through this."
The Queen released a statement last week emphasizing the importance of the public complying with social distancing measures.
"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," it read.
"We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them."
"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," she continued.
"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," she concluded.
"You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part."
It seems that the royal family is now following all the recommendations out there. The Queen's ability to hold herself to the same standards as the rest of her country, as well as provide hope while being among the most vulnerable, is truly admirable. Surely, her address will bring comfort to many looking to hear a voice of steady leadership during these unprecedented times.
