Queen Elizabeth II is reflecting on the Coronavirus pandemic as she relocates to Windsor Castle for the time being. The 93-year-old British monarch and Prince Philip, 98, headed to Windsor a week earlier than expected after she cancelled engagements, and is likely to stay there until after Easter, the palace announced.
Yesterday, she shared a message of encouragement and hope, addressing the situation everyone finds themselves in. “As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.
“We are 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.” Four of the most prominent members of the royal family are most at risk of contracting the virus, including the queen herself, Prince Philip and two of their children: Prince Charles, 71, and Princess Anne, 69.
“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,” she continued in the announcement.
Queen Elizabeth goes on to thank those involved in fighting this disease. “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,” she says in her concluding message. “I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”
The British royal family isn’t the only one being affected by COVID-19. Yesterday, it was confirmed that Grace Kelly’s son, Prince Albert of Monaco, 62, tested positive for the virus.