Queen’s coronavirus message: what did she say?

The Queen has released a message to the nation on the coronavirus outbreak, saying the UK is “entering a period of great concern and uncertainty”.

Her Majesty, who is doing her bit for social distancing at Windsor Castle, praised the work of scientists, medics and emergency staff, but warned that everyone has a “vitally important part to play” in the fight to stem the pandemic.

In a written statement, the Queen said: “Our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one. 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.”

Noting that people would find new ways to stay in touch with one another during the period of isolation, she added: “You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”

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“She did not disappoint,” says the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay. “As the coronavirus tightened its terrifying grip on the country, she once again demonstrated infinite experience in a statement issued in her name.”

“It came as she was reunited with Prince Philip at Windsor,” Kay added, “and was brimming with good sense in its appeal to the country to foster a community spirit to protect the vulnerable”.

The Times says the message “invoked Britain’s history of combining efforts to achieve a common goal,” while The Sun notes that her message stressed that the British public must not be “selfish” in the face of a common goal.

There is speculation that the Queen - who has been in contact with members of the public in recent days - will choose to self-isolate for 14 days in order to protect her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who is 98-years-old.

Dr Anna Hemming, who was the resident in-house doctor to the Queen and the royal family from 2008 to 2014, told Vanity Fair that the Queen is in “the best possible place... with the best possible team” taking care of her. 

“The Queen is being carefully advised and she has a brilliant team supporting her,” Hemming added.