How the Queen was kept safe during her rare public address
Monarch addressed nation from Windsor Castle
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The Queen took numerous safety precautions before addressing the nation amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed.
On Sunday, Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare televised address, in which she reassured the UK that “if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome” the virus.
“I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all,” the 93-year-old monarch said, before acknowledging the importance of social distancing. “I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.”
Prior to praising the nation and its citizens for following the recommended health and safety guidelines, the Queen and the Palace ensured the royal herself would be safe - by employing the use of a single cameraman.
According to the BBC, the Queen’s address, which was pre-recorded, was filmed by just one cameraman wearing protective equipment including gloves and a mask - with all other technical staff working from another room.
The monarch also chose to record the message in the White Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, according to People, as the room is “big enough to allow sufficient distance between the monarch and the camera operator”.
During the address, which marked only the fifth time in the Queen’s 68-year-reign that she’d given such a speech, the sovereign also reflected on the similarities and differences between the coronavirus pandemic and World War II.
“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,” Queen Elizabeth II said, adding that this challenge is “different”.
“This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal," she continued.
She concluded the speech reminding her more than 23m viewers that “we will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us”.
The Queen’s message comes as her son, Prince Charles, continues to recover following his diagnosis with coronavirus.
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