'Together we are tackling this disease’: Queen Elizabeth II delivers speech during coronavirus crisis

Queen Elizabeth II delivered a brief speech on Sunday during the growing coronavirus crisis.

Video transcript

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: Together, we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that, if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. 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 the Britons of this generation were as strong as any, that the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet, good-humored resolve, and a fellow feeling still characterize this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past. It defines our present and our future.

[CHEERING]

The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit. And its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children. Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heartwarming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbors, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.

And those self isolating may, at times, be hard. Many people of all faiths and of none are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause, and reflect in prayer or meditation. It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made in 1940 helped by my sister.

We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know deep down that it is the right thing to do.

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed, and that success will belong to every one of us.

We should take comfort that, while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again. But, for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to all.