The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world. It is a global crisis. It has affected the day to day life of millions of people. As we look back at history, we can see that the royal family have been a figurehead, above politics, during times of trial for the nation, commonwealth, and world. This season of coronavirus has been no exception. The royals have been supporting, whether that’s on the main stage or behind the scenes. On Sunday 5th April, Her Majesty the Queen addressed the nation and commonwealth in a short televised speech, that was shown on all the British TV networks simultaneously in an act that went above UK TV politics; a sign that the Queen is pulling the nation together. The speech was also aired on Radio and The Royal Family official social media sites. Here is what Her Majesty said:
“I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time. A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.
I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. I am 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.
I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones. 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. And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.
The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.
Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.
And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.
It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister. We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.
While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us.
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.
But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”
I loved the Queen’s reference to her first broadcast, the one she made with her sister Princess Margaret to evacuated children in the second world war. This is the joy of the monarchy, that they are there throughout time. Politicians come and go. But the royals can look back at how they and the generations before have been there for the nation and they can reference that. These references make us feel connected with them, and gives us that sense of stability and unity and family.
The Queen has moved to Windsor Castle, to keep self isolated, as at nearly 94 years of age, she is an at risk person. The Duke of Edinburgh, aged 98, has joined her there. The Queen’s address was filmed in Windsor’s White Drawing Room, where many of the Queen’s Christmas Broadcasts are filmed. Windsor is also where the Queen spent much of the second world war, so there are many parallels there! I am not surprised that the Queen addressed the nation in this way. In fact, I was surprised she did not speak earlier. This is what we have come to expect, that the Queen will lead us during these times of crisis.
At the start of the period of lockdown for the UK, the Queen released a statement saying’
“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.
We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the 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.
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.
You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.
ELIZABETH R”
The Queen continues to carry out her constitutional duties. Although all her engagements are cancelled, she still meets with the Prime Minister each week via telephone, and continues to play an active part in the life of the nation.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are self isolating in their Scottish home of Birkhall. The Prince of Wales tested positive for coronavirus near the start of this period of lockdown for the UK. After suffering mild symptoms, the Prince has returned to health and continued to support his charities and patronages remotely, as his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The Prince released a video speech on social media in support of the charities he and the Duchess are involved with that help the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable at this time. The Prince is patron of Age UK, and the Duchess is patron of The Silver Line.
The Prince of Wales opened the new hospital, NHS Nightingale, that has been created at The Excel Centre in London, to provide much needed hospital space and facilities. The Prince opened the centre via video call. He said, “It is symbolic of the selfless care and devoted service taking place in innumerable settings, with countless individuals, throughout the United Kingdom.”
The Duchess of Cornwall also gave a speech, on the theme of domestic abuse, which is one of the focuses of her charity work. She said, “This is a hard time for everyone, as we are all asked to stay at home to stay safe. But for some of you it is even harder, because home is not a safe place. I can only imagine that being asked to stay there could feel very isolating and frightening for you and your family. It may mean spending more time with the person who is harming you. If this is your situation, or you are worried about someone else, I want you to know that you are not alone. Even if you cannot leave your home, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or contact one of the domestic abuse charities. Please stay safe and get help."
The Prince of Wales has been in contact with the British Red Cross via telephone to support them in their work and hear how they have been supporting those affected by Coronavirus. Similarly, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been in regular phone contact with their charities and patronages, and have phoned different NHS hospitals to encourage them. The Countess of Wessex has had zoom meetings online, with the charities she supports. The royals are able to lead the nation’s thanks, and be a personal embodiment of gratitude and support to those on the frontline. The royals can be a sympathetic listening ear and raise awareness of all the good work that charities, organisations and the NHS are doing. The various social media sites of the Royal Family have been raising awareness and letting the nation and commonwealth know what good work is happening, and also reminding each of us of the role we play, by reminding us to stay at home, and keep washing our hands for at least 20 seconds, and only go out for essential necessities.
Princess Eugenie has been supporting the delivery of food to NHS staff and the vulnerable. The Princess and all royal family members support the 8pm clapping for the NHS and frontline workers on Thursdays. As they take part, they have helped unite the nation in this act. They have posted videos of them and others clapping in support and gratitude (including a very cute video of the three Cambridge children clapping enthusiastically. This marked a rare public appearance by young Prince Louis, who has really grown up since we last saw him! The Wessex family also released a video of them clapping together outside their front door, all generations together!)
The Cambridge’s have been isolating at the Norfolk home, Anmer Hall. The Duke released a video of his support for the National Emergencies Trust, looking at how the emergency services can work together during this time, and thanking them for their work. He said, “Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together. The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature. The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way - which is why the establishment of the National Emergencies Trust was so important.”
Before self-isolation became a requirement, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to encourage NHS 111 call receivers. The Duke and Duchess have continued to work with their Heads Together campaign to help those struggling with mental health at this difficult time.
The Countess of Wessex has been working with her various charities and organisations from home via zoom calls. She also released a video highlighting the resources available for parents who have their children at home following school closures. She said, “For parents and carers, it can be a daunting time to help our children and young people through this period of uncertainty but please don’t feel alone. Make use of the resources out there and the fantastic digital communities that are sharing and supporting them. Stay safe and thinking of you all.”
Thank you to our royal family for uniting us during this time. I am so pleased to have them as a figurehead during this time.