'Coronavirus will not overcome us' - Queen Elizabeth says in Easter speech

Queen Elizabeth’s Easter speech was a stirring message of hope amid the coronavirus pandemic and a call to continue social distancing.

On Saturday, the Queen, who turns 94 on April 21, addressed the public in a powerful speech on Instagram ahead of the Sunday holiday. “Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness,” she said on the royal IG channel. “Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture and appeal to people of all faiths and of none.”

“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,” she said in her televised speech. “Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.”

The Queen added, “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.”