The Queen has issued a message to the public, as the country practices social distancing and self-isolation due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Buckingham Palace sent out the statement on behalf of the monarch, who headed to Windsor today to self-isolate - a week earlier than planned, after changes were made to her schedule on the advice from the government.
She was joined there by her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who spends the majority of his time at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
The 94-year-old started her statement by acknowledging the 'concern and uncertainty' many individuals and families across the UK are feeling at the moment.
'We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them,' she said.
Drawing upon the UK's history which has been 'forged by people and communities coming together to focus on a common goal,' the royal paid particular tribute to scientists, medical staff, emergency and public service employees before calling on society to 'play our part as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.'
Signing off as Elizabeth R, the monarch said she is 'certain' the UK is up to the challenge of finding new ways to keep in touch as we practice social distancing, adding: 'You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.'
On Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle addressed the pandemic on Instagram with a new photo, reassuring their followers that this is the time to come together in solidarity.
Sharing a one of their now-famous signature inspiring text quotes, the Sussex Royal account @sussexroyal, the message reds: ‘These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary.’
The statement continues, with the couple adding: ‘There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit.’
The pair promised to post ‘accurate information and facts from trusted experts’ as well as ‘learning about measures we can take to keep ourselves and our families healthy’.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a video prom the National Emergencies Trust. An excerpt of the clip’s caption reads: ‘Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together.’
Read the Queen's statement on the Coronavirus pandemic in full:
We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.
Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.
Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.
