Coronavirus has swept the world in an unprecedented way, affecting people from all walks of life – and the Queen herself is experiencing the wave like everyone else.
The 93-year-old Monarch shared some stirring words for Easter Sunday, a time usually marked by several public royal traditions.
While all of the events were cancelled this year as the UK remains in lockdown to stop the rapid spread of the virus, the Queen found another way to ensure the importance of the religious occasion was felt across the country, and the world.
In a poignant video shared to Instagram by the Palace’s official account, a candle is seen slowly lighting up a dark room.
Over the clip, Queen Elizabeth’s voice is heard, saying: “Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness.
“Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none.
“They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.”
She continued to explain that for Christians across the world, many would usually be lighting candles together to mark Easter, passing them from one to another.
But this year, things are not quite the same.
“This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe,” the Queen added.
She also stated a comforting truth about the religious day: “But Easter isn’t cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.
“The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us.
“As dark as death can be — particularly for those suffering with grief — light and life are greater.”
The Queen shared some stirring words with the country as a very different Easter rolled around for 2020.
(Getty)Royal watchers have seen the Queen make some unprecedented moves in the past few weeks as extraordinary circumstances spurred by the pandemic have called for extraordinary measures.
Currently residing in Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip, the 93-year-old has continued to fulfil her duties from home, while taking all the necessary precautions to keep herself safe as well.
Earlier in April, the Monarch delivered an historic address to the nation, the fifth time she’s ever done so in such circumstances.
She encouraged Britons to band together now, more than ever during this unsettling period, and promised that better days were coming.
“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,” she said.
Watch the speech in the player below. Story continues…
According to HELLO!, the Queen recorded the speech in a room with a single camera person, who wore a mask and was stationed from the Queen further than recommended social distancing guidelines.
Of course, it can be confronting to see these kinds of health and safety measures become part of our temporary new normal, but it’s also humbling to see the Queen lead by example.
And like us hardy folk Down Under, we’re sure she made the most of her Easter celebrations in the comfort of her own home – a very regal one at that.
