Queen will speak to nation in rare TV address

THE QUEEN will lift spirits over coronavirus with a rare televised address to the country.

Her Majesty is preparing to broadcast a heartfelt message to the public to quell panic, stiffen resolve and boost morale.

The news comes after it emerged one royal worker at Buckingham Palace has tested positive for Covid-19.

They are understood to have contracted the disease while the 93-year-old Queen was still in residence in the capital – prompting her departure.

The worker, one of 500 in the royal household, has not been named but is believed to be recovering. Every member of staff they came in contact with has since been placed in social isolation.

Buckingham Palace closed to the public on Friday. The Queen moved to Windsor Castle on Thursday and was later joined by Prince Philip, 98, who was flown in by helicopter from Sandringham.

The couple are expected to stay there indefinitely.

It’s understood discussions about a royal broadcast have already taken place between the Palace and Number Ten.

Apart from her annual

Christmas message, it will be the first time the monarch has addressed the nation in such a way since the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.

It is not known when the speech will be aired but according to a source it will happen “at a key moment in the crisis”.

The source said: “There is no one more experienced than Her Majesty and she will know exactly the right moment to address the country. Her voice will provide calm reassurance that, ultimately, we will get through this.”

The Queen has already issued one statement on the crisis.

After leaving London last week, she said: “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.”