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Queen's address to the nation on Coronavirus: When is it, and where can you watch the speech

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II posing for a photograph after she recorded her annual Christmas Day message in Windsor Castle - Queen's address to the nation on Coronavirus: When is it, and where can you watch the speech - GETTY IMAGES
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II posing for a photograph after she recorded her annual Christmas Day message in Windsor Castle - Queen's address to the nation on Coronavirus: When is it, and where can you watch the speech - GETTY IMAGES

The Queen will address the nation on Sunday evening, delivering a television message about the coronavirus outbreak, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

The Queen, who at 93 is in semi-self isolation at Windsor Castle with the Duke of Edinburgh, has filmed a broadcast message intended to reassure and rally the nation through the current crisis.

When is the speech?

Sunday April 5, beginning at 8pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The speech will be broadcast on both television and radio with the channels to be confirmed in the coming days, as well as the Royal Family's social media channels.

What will the Queen talk about?

She is likely to speak of her admiration for country's resilience and communities, the NHS and key workers, and draw on the country's history to inspire Britain to persevere in the face of unprecedented lockdown conditions.

The efforts of health workers and all those who have been helping in the fight against Covid-19 are likely to receive specific praise.

Coronavirus Charity Appeal - details of appeal explainer - in article embed
Coronavirus Charity Appeal - details of appeal explainer - in article embed

Prince Charles, who addressed the nation last week, said in his speech: "As a nation, we are faced by a profoundly challenging situation, which we are only too aware threatens the livelihoods, businesses and welfare of millions of our fellow citizens.

"None of us can say when this will end, but end it will. Until it does, let us all try and live with hope and, with faith in ourselves and each other, look forward to better times to come."

On what other occasions has the Queen addressed the nation?

Other than her customary Christmas appearances, the Queen has made a special address on just three previous occasions: in 1991 during the Gulf War, ahead of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, and following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.