Queen Elizabeth II is scheduled to welcome the way Britons have responded to the challenge of the novel Coronavirus in a rare special address on Sunday evening.
The monarch will acknowledge the grief, financial difficulties and “enormous changes to the daily lives” felt by many families during “a time of disruption” in a pre-recorded televised address meant to rally the nation.
“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 that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any,” the 93-year-old will say, according to extracts released by Buckingham Palace.
“That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterize this country.”
The Queen will also thank medical staff on the front lines of the epidemic and essential workers for their contributions to the national fight against the virus.
Her speech comes as the number of deaths from the respiratory illness in the U.K. climbed over 4,300 on Saturday.
The Queen’s address was recorded at Windsor Castle, where she moved last month with her husband Prince Phillip, 98, as the virus started to spread. She will remain there for the Easter period as a precaution.
