Queen to make rare address to nation amid coronavirus crisis

The Queen is to address the nation on Sunday delivering a message about the coronavirus crisis, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Expectation has been growing about when the head of state would make a public statement about the unprecedented events that have seen the country go into lockdown to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The monarch has already recorded a special broadcast on the outbreak from Windsor Castle.

“Her Majesty The Queen has recorded a special broadcast to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus outbreak,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“The televised address will be broadcast at 8pm on Sunday 5th April, 2020. The address was recorded at Windsor Castle.”

The Queen’s televised address to the nation will be only the fourth of her 68-year-reign during times of national crisis and grief.

While she broadcasts a recorded message each year on Christmas Day, special addresses from the monarch in troubled periods are rare.

There have been three previous speeches broadcast – after the Queen Mother’s death in 2002, ahead of Diana, Princess of Wales’s funeral in 1997 and about the First Gulf War in 1991.

Amid celebratory times, the Queen made a televised address to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

As deaths from coronavirus spike in the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II has spoken out about the pandemic in a rare special address to the public. Sunday’s broadcast, filmed from Windsor Castle, marks just the fifth time the 93-year-old has made a special address.

The royal — whose eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, is recuperating after testing positive for the coronavirus — wore an emerald green dress in her taped message, which aired on TV, radio and the royal social media channels.

April 5, 2020

Queen Elizabeth II speaks out on the coronavirus in rare special address:

“I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time,” said the queen. “A time of disruption in the life of our country, a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.”

As footage from U.K. hospitals appeared on screen, her thoughts turned to health care professionals and other essential workers.

“I want to thank everyone on the NHS frontline, 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. I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated, and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.

Queen Elizabeth II (pictured on March 9)
made a public address about the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday.
(Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

“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. 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. The attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humored resolve and of 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.

“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,” she continued, referencing “heartwarming” moments of solidarity in the U.K. and elsewhere.”

“Though 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,” she added.

She went on to mention her 1940 wartime message with sister Princess Margaret, reflecting, “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.”

She ended the message on an optimistic note.

“While we have faced challenges before, this one is different,” she continued. “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. 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.”

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump called Queen Elizabeth II a “great and wonderful woman.”

The Subtle Message Queen Elizabeth Sent By Wearing an Unusual Brooch During Her Televised Address

Queen Elizabeth, April 5, 2020
Photo credit: Buckingham Palace/ Getty Images

From Town & Country

“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.”

This message—steadfast and true and filled with desperately needed hope—was the only thing one could, or should, focus on during the Queen’s historic televised speech last night to her nation, and the world. Soon after, however, and upon vowing that my new mantra would be “We Will Meet Again,” I looked a bit more closely at the images that came flooding through, on the news, across the web, on Instagram. One even made my Sunday night Zoom.

Her Majesty was in a bright emerald green dress and her signature pearls, but there, fastened near her left shoulder, was a brooch that many were surprised to see.

It was not one of her favorite pieces—not the floral bouquet brooch her parents gave her when Prince Charles was born, not the Prince Albert brooch with enormous sapphire that Queen Victoria wore to her wedding, not the one known as “Granny’s Chips” featuring two enormous diamonds from the Cullinan stone.

Queen Elizabeth chose a turquoise and diamond brooch that belonged to her grandmother Queen Mary, a legendary jewelry collector, who loved to layer pieces of her prized collection for a look of total regal splendor.

Queen Mary, you might recall was the proud owner of the Vladimir Tiara—a Romanov jewel she acquired from the son of the Duchess Vladimir—and it was Queen Mary who had it refitted so that its original pearls could be replaced with emeralds occasionally. Queen Elizabeth wore her grandmother's Queen Mary Fringe tiara to her own wedding in 1947, and Queen Mary’s collection was also in the news more recently when Meghan Markle borrowed the Queen Mary Bandeau tiara from Queen Elizabeth for the royal wedding.

The turquoise brooch that Queen Elizabeth wore to deliver yesterday's address was gifted to Mary in 1893, on the day of her wedding to the Duke of York, the future King George V, by her new in laws.

Why the turquoise and diamond brooch, one rarely seen in public (Queen Elizabeth was not seen wearing it until 2014) for such a momentous speech? The Queen’s jewelry choices are the subject of deep and constant analysis. With this choice, was Her Majesty harkening back to the past and all that her family, her country, and her world, has survived? Was she linking herself to her grandmother who helped support the King during the First World War? Or did she want a colorful brooch that might lift the spirits?

There is also the legend of turquoise, long celebrated as a stone of healing and love and protection, worn for centuries as amulet and talisman, and thought to enhance powers of leadership. It has also been known to help cure writer's block. And so if that brooch had anything to do with the crafting of that message, if it at all inspired “We Will Meet Again,” then all hail turquoise forever.

Prince Harry and Meghan to start non-profit in US
AFPApril 7, 2020

The couple said they wanted 'to do something of meaning,
to do something that matters' (AFP Photo/TOBY MELVILLE)

London (AFP) - Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are planning to launch a wide-ranging non-profit organisation named Archewell, reports on Tuesday said.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who formally stepped down as senior members of the British royal family last week, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper they were establishing the organisation in the United States, where they are now based.

The charitable organisation will include emotional support groups, a multimedia educational empire and a wellbeing website among other things.

They said they wanted "to do something of meaning, to do something that matters".

The couple filed paperwork for their new venture in the US last month, the Telegraph said.

They have delayed releasing full details about it because of the coronavirus pandemic and will make an announcement "when the time is right", they told the paper.

Their proposals are for "a vast and ambitious array of projects" under the name Archewell to replace their previous "Sussex Royal" brand, it added.

The couple have agreed to relinquish the label and their "Royal Highness" titles as part of the terms agreed for their departure from the frontline of the British monarchy.

The new name is derived from the Greek word Arche, meaning "source of action", and was reportedly the inspiration behind the name of their 11-month-old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.

The couple relocated to California last month, according to reports, after announcing in January that they intended to quit royal life and "work to become financially independent".

The decision means they will no longer carry out duties on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II and are giving up their office within the monarchy in Britain.

The move followed reports Meghan was unhappy with life inside the centuries-old institution and both of them had complained about media intrusion.

Their sudden announcement rocked the royal family, appearing to blindside the queen and other senior family members.

Business
How Covid-19 could change fashion and retail, according to experts
Marc Bain
QuartzApril 7, 2020, 4:31 AM GMT+3

How Covid-19 could change fashion and retail, according to experts

img width="620" height="349" src="https://media.zenfs.com/en-US/quartz.com-nonhosted/70b1c13b57ce1559d999a47f52d014f5" class="attachment-medium_10 size-medium_10 wp-post-image" alt="A shop assistant wearing a protective mask, used as a preventive measure against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stands near a showcase with handbags"/ Nobody really knows what the world will look like on the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic. The only certainty is that it's bound to be different.

J.K. Rowling

• Apr 6, 2020

-J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling
✔ @jk_rowling

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Has the Cutest Work-from-Home Buddy

The wife of Prince Charles has continued her royal work while quarantined at their Birkhall home in the Scottish highlands, including making phone calls to her patronages. But she had a special companion during a recent home call with The Silver Line, a helpline that connects elderly people with people for help or friendly conversation.

In a photo taken by a member of her staff, Camilla smiles during the phone call with one of her dogs sitting contently on her lap. Camilla, 72, grins as she holds onto her beloved pet during the chat.

Camilla's two Jack Russell terriers, Beth and Bluebell, recently made another royal appearance: in the portrait of Camilla and Prince Charles shared in the celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary earlier this month.

Clarence House Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles

Camilla connected with Silver Line user Betty, 90, and Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of The Silver Line. The three women chatted about a variety of subjects, including missing their families during the coronavirus lockdown.

"I really miss my grandchildren," the Duchess of Cornwall shared. "That’s the really strange thing about it, not being able to see your grandchildren and giving them a hug."

Betty, Camilla and Dame Esther

Betty also spoke about what it was like during WWII, saying it will be "strange" not to celebrate Victory in Europe Day in a traditional manner on May 8.

"It's so important that people share their memories of the war," Camilla told Betty, who she's met a number of times in recent years. "I think that the people who lived through it have extra strength for the situation we are in now. Just like during the war, this situation brings the best out of people. You hear such wonderful stories of people helping others. Your generation was always very modest about these things. We will never see the like of your generation again.  People were always thinking about others, and about duty and service and respect and manners. Those are the things I associate with your generation, Betty."

The royal added, "My father was a soldier in the war and we could never get him to talk about it.  But when the grandchildren came along, he started talking about it and we got him to write a small book about it. I think it was a huge load off his mind to be able to tell people about it."

The duchess ended the call by saying, "Stay safe everyone and see you when this is all over."

Clarence House Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

Camilla, who has been patron of Silver Line since 2017, said in a statement: "For many lonely people, the Silver Line represents a lifeline into the outside world. As its proud Patron I am thinking about all the Silver Liners, the staff and the volunteers in these challenging times. Once again it was a huge pleasure to talk to Betty, as I always find her indomitable spirit truly inspiring. We both agreed that we must all keep picking up the telephone, keep sharing our thoughts and keep making friends....it is these little things that help get us all through these dark days and find light at the end of them."

Celebrity
Exclusive: Prince Harry misses the Army and tells friends his life has been turned upside down

Camilla Tominey
The TelegraphApril 29, 2020, 7:28 PM GMT+3

Prince Harry  - GETTY IMAGES

Prince Harry has told friends he “cannot believe” what has happened in recent months and that he misses the Army, The Telegraph has learned.

Prince Harry has confided in pals that he “misses the camaraderie” of life in the Armed Forces, where he was affectionately known as ‘Captain Wales’, having been stripped of his military appointments following the Sussexes’ split from the Royal Family on March 31.

After Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down as senior royals in January, the Duke was forced to relinquish his roles as Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.

In a sharply-worded statement reflecting on what had been agreed with the Queen, the couple pointed out that Harry retained “the rank of Major”, insisting he would “continue his unwavering support to the military community in a non-official capacity.”

They are now living in Los Angeles with their son, Archie, who turns one next Wednesday.

A well-placed source revealed: “Harry has told friends he is really missing the Army as well his military appointments. He misses the camaraderie of being in the forces.

“He has been telling friends that he still can't believe this has happened. He can't believe his life has been turned upside down.

“He was in a happy place when he was serving in the Army, then he met Meghan and since then life has been great. But I don’t think he foresaw things turning out quite as they did.”

Stressing that Harry, 35, does not blame his wife for wanting to return to her native America, the source added: “Of course he doesn’t blame Meghan. There is just a sense that he might have been better protected if he was still in the Army.”

Harry and Meghan - REUTERS

In March 2015, Kensington Palace announced that Harry would leave the Armed Forces in June after his 10-year military career saw him serve two tours of Afghanistan.

In the statement announcing he was looking forward to a “new chapter” in his life, the prince admitted that he was at a “crossroads” and quitting the Army had been a “really tough decision”.

He had previously spoken about Army life being “as normal as it's going to get”, adding: “I'm one of the guys. I don't get treated any differently.”

The decision came after he launched the Invictus Games in 2014 to huge acclaim, giving wounded or sick armed forces personnel the opportunity to take part in a Paralympic Games-style tournament.

Reflecting on his Army career, Harry said: “From learning the hard way to stay onside with my Colour Sergeant at Sandhurst, to the incredible people I served with during two tours in Afghanistan, the experiences I have had over the last 10 years will stay with me for the rest of my life. For that I will always be hugely grateful.”

Prince Harry racing to scramble his Apache - PA

Described as an “exemplary soldier” by his military superiors, Harry saw action in Afghanistan twice, most recently in 2012 as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner. Gen Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the General Staff, praised his skill, judgment and professionalism in “selflessly” supporting troops on the ground.

Having started full-time military duties as an officer cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005, he was commissioned as an Army officer in April 2006, joining the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals).

In late 2007, he spent 10 weeks in Helmand province in Afghanistan but was pulled out after the media reported his secret deployment.

He began training as an Army Air Corps pilot in January 2009, becoming a fully operational Apache attack helicopter pilot in February 2012.

In 2014, he took up a staff officer role helping to coordinate significant projects and commemorative events but insiders said he was unsuited to the desk job, based at Horse Guards in London, much preferring to be more visible promoting veterans through initiatives like Invictus.   

A spokesman for the prince declined to comment.

Queen Elizabeth Cancels All Upcoming Royal Duties Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Queen Elizabeth II is putting an indefinite hold on all upcoming royal duties due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 94-year-old sovereign, who had previously canceled her travel plans in March and relocated to Windsor Castle prior to the Easter holiday, is now canceling all upcoming royal duties and travel plans, according to a report by The Times of London. This is expected to be the queen’s longest absence from public duties in her nearly 67-year reign.

The queen’s decision doesn’t come as a surprise given the U.K. is on lockdown because of the virus. Several events the queen was expected to attend, including Trooping the Colour (the queen’s birthday celebration) and Royal Ascot, have also been canceled due to safety concerns.

Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to travel to South Africa in October, but the report indicates the trip is now “up in the air.”

While self-isolating at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth gave a rare TV address on April 6 on the pandemic, during which she recalled the very first broadcast she made with her sister Princess Margaret during World War II.

“We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety,” she said. “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.”

The British royal family has experienced several changes to their daily lives due to the pandemic. It was revealed on March 25 that Princes Charles contracted COVID-19 and was self-isolating at his home with the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, at Balmoral in Scotland. The 71-year-old prince later released a statement on April 1 announcing he was “on the other side of the illness.”

Other members of the royal family have also been self-isolating since March. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are self-isolating at the queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England with their three children, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have moved to Los Angeles with their son Archie.

Princess Beatrice, for another, canceled her wedding scheduled for May 29.

A Royal Biographer Claims The Queen May Never Return To Public Life

From Delish

    Queen Elizabeth is currently in self-isolation at her home in Windsor Castle.

    Royal biographer Andrew Morton believes she won't resume public engagements for years.

The Queen is currently in self-isolation over in Windsor (sounds...not bad TBH), and The Sun reports that courtiers want to keep her inside and away from public life until at least the summer due to coronavirus concerns.

Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

While officials are preparing for "several months of royal lockdown," royal biographer Andrew Morton believes Her Majesty won't return to public life at all considering her duties largely consist of engaging with other people in close proximity:

    “It’s terribly sad but I can’t see how the Queen can resume her usual job. The COVID-19 virus isn’t going away soon and will be with us for months, if not years. It would be far too risky for the Queen to start meeting people on a regular basis. She has always loved getting out and meeting people, but she can’t take the risk. How can she carry out investitures, meet ambassadors, do walkabouts and visit places without meeting people at close range? If she gets the bug, it could be fatal and would put Prince Philip at risk."

Morton also said we should expect more of the Queen's engagements become virtual—like we've seen in these past weeks with the rest of the royal family.

    “The Queen’s speech last month was brilliant and it brought the country together. To quote Churchill, it was her finest hour, but from now on we are maybe only going to be seeing her on video links," Andrew said. "We will have a Zoom monarchy, she will be Her Majesty the Screen."

Let's hope this is only true for the foreseeable future, and that Queen Elizabeth is able to get back out there safely soon, gah!