AS OF April 4, 2020, Queen Elizabeth had only delivered three speeches in response to current events during her entire 68-year reign: One, about the Gulf War. The second, after the death of Princess Diana. And third, after the passing of the Queen Mother. Today, she delivered her fourth—a calm, hopeful oration about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Queen spoke from Windsor Castle, filmed by a single cameraman wearing protective gear. The message was broadcast on the BBC, but also shared widely on the royal family’s social media accounts, extending its reach far beyond the United Kingdom. She may have addressed it to her countrymen, but it was the world that was watching.PC
Queen Elizabeth is the most extraordinary human being; she personifies selfless service, dignity, wisdom, discipline and empathy for all.