Your Thoughts: The Queen's Coronavirus Speech
via BBC
A rare public address from Queen Elizabeth II will air Sunday evening, with the 93-year-old monarch addressing the United Kingdom — and the globe — in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. Several media outlets published previews of the pre-taped speech in reports Saturday evening. The BBC quotes the Queen as saying the following:
"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 that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country."
There is, interestingly, some debate about how many times the Queen has delivered this kind of speech in her 68-year reign. Many media outlets are saying this is only the fourth time, citing her remarks during the Gulf War in 1991, as well as speeches given following the deaths of Princess Diana in 1997 and the Queen Mother in 2002. ITV is calling this the fifth time, adding to that list in the decidedly more celebratory remarks on the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Regardless of the number, the broader point is that this is not something the Queen does often, and therefore it feels notable. And yet, to quote Carrie Bradshaw, I can’t help but wonder what the role of public addresses are in the modern age? These speeches have long been a hallmark of the monarchy, a way to reassure an unsteady nation and serve as a source of motivation to continue the fight. As a 14-year-old princess, Elizabeth famously delivered her first radio address in 1940 during World War II. “We children at home are full of cheerfulness and courage,” she said from Windsor Castle. “We are trying, too, to bear our own share of the danger and sadness of war.”
But these days we hear from the Queen and her descendants on a regular basis, evidenced by regular posts on social media. Both Princes Charles and William have released video statements on Instagram. Is a public address by the Queen still as significant? I’m curious what you think! Let’s discuss in the comments. Will you be watching the Queen’s speech? What message do you hope she will convey and how effective do you think it will be?
Note: This post will be updated following the speech.
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