Coronavirus: Queen urges nation to ‘work as one’ during period of great concern

The 93-year-old is now at Windsor Castle with the Duke of Edinburgh as the royal couple socially distance themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Queen praised the work of scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services staff, but she warned that everyone now has a vitally important part to play in the coming months.

She said: “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 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.”

The Queen said she is certain the nation is up to the challenges ahead, and that she and the royal family are ready to play their part.

She added: “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.”