Her Majesty the Queen set to deliver historic address
Queen Elizabeth II is set to give a rare special address to the nation for only the fourth time in her nearly 70-year reign.
The 93-year-old monarch is preparing to give a televised speech to the United Kingdom, which will focus on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Queen has not made a similar special address since her mother’s death in 2002. She also addressed the nation after the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and during the Gulf War in 1991.
According to The Times, the monarch is likely to share words of encouragement.
“The value of an address by the Queen is that it is so rare – it’s a case of when is the optimum time to do it. The Queen wants to get it right,” a source told the outlet.
The address is expected to be delivered over the coming weeks.
The Queen released a special statement about the new coronavirus last week, encouraging the British public to do their part in limiting the spread.
“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,” she said in the statement.
“Many of us will have to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain that we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”
She also relocated from London to Windsor Castle around the same time with husband Prince Philip and minimal staff, PEOPLE reported.