Queen’s stirring message for us all ‘to do our bit’
THE Queen yesterday called on Britons to rally “to protect the most vulnerable” as coronavirus spreads.
The 93-year-old monarch praised the scientists and medical staff working around the clock saving lives and vowed the Royal Family “stand ready to play our part”.
Hours after being evacuated from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle as a “sensible precaution” yesterday, the Queen admitted we are “entering a period of great concern”.
In a statement released by the Palace, she said: “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.”
Prince Philip, who is 98, was transferred yesterday afternoon by helicopter from his home on the family’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to be with his wife.
The couple brought forward their Easter plans by a week, with royal aides confirming they will now enter a period of isolation for a considerable time on Government advice. The Queen held meetings at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday but held her regular weekly audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson by phone which she will continue to do.
The age of the Queen and Philip mean they are more at risk of complications if they become ill.
They are not the only members of the Royal Family affected by the Government’s advice on social distancing. The Prince of Wales is 71 and the Duchess of Cornwall is 72. They were forced to cancel their spring tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan. Royal sources insisted last night that Prince Charles was fit and well after it emerged he attended a meeting with Prince Albert of Monaco in London on March 10, who has since tested positive for coronavirus.
It is unclear whether he has been tested for Covid-19 but he is selfisolating alongside Camilla.
Prince Harry has also been affected as his Invictus Games for injured service personnel, which were due to be staged this year in The Hague in May, have been cancelled.
The Duke of Cambridge was the first Royal to address the pandemic as he launched an appeal this week via the National Emergencies Trust.
Sources revealed that Prince William and Kate will shift the focus of their work to support the nation as it tries to cope with the pandemic.