The Queen addressed the Commonwealth in a rare broadcast on Sunday amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During her four-minute address, Queen Elizabeth II thanked health-care workers and others in essential roles.
“I’m sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times,” she said.
The Queen also acknowledged those who are staying at home to help protect the vulnerable in their communities.
She said though self-isolating may be hard at times, many are discovering it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect.
“Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” said the monarch.
Queen Elizabeth also said we have seen heartwarming stories from around the world of people coming together during this challenging time.
“Be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort,” she said.
The Queen said while we have faced challenges before, the COVID-19 pandemic is different. This time, she said, the Commonwealth joins with all nations in a common endeavour: “using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal.”
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again,” she said.
Her Majesty The Queen addresses the UK and the Commonwealth in a special broadcast recorded at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/HjO1uiV1Tm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 5, 2020
