THE FOURTH SUCH SPEECH
In the midst of a coronavirus epidemic, Queen Elizabeth II will address her subjects this Sunday, April 5 at 8 p.m. This is the fourth exceptional address given by the monarch in 68 years of reign.
Exceptional circumstances, exceptional means. At a time when the epidemic of the new coronavirus is wreaking havoc in the world, Queen Elizabeth II decides to stand up for her subjects.
The United Kingdom is one of the European countries hardest hit by the pandemic: more than 38,000 cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed by 2 April, with a death toll of more than 3,600.
This is why the 93-year-old monarch, whose son Charles has been affected by the disease, will give an extraordinary intervention, which will be broadcast this Sunday 5 April at 8 p.m. on television and radio channels, but also on the official networks of the British crown.
The Queen will address the people of the United Kingdom as well as other Commonwealth countries. In her 68 years of reign, this will be only the fourth outstanding address by the Sovereign to her subjects, in addition to her annual Christmas addresses.
Her previous speeches were prompted by the Gulf War in 1991, the accidental death of her ex-daughter-in-law Princess Diana in 1997 and the death of the Queen Mother at age 101 in 2002.
TAPED SPEECH IN WINDSOR
The address was recorded at Windsor Castle, where the monarch is confined with her husband, Prince Philip. Prince Philip, soon to be 99 years old, had rushed to join her from Sandrigham Castle, where he had taken up residence. For her part, the Queen had had to leave Buckingham Palace. Both spouses are expected to remain in Windsor for the entire Easter period and beyond, as the Queen’s official services stated in a statement.