Queen Elizabeth II has urged people to “protect the most vulnerable” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The 93-year-old monarch has sent a message to the people in the United Kingdom as the nation battles against the ongoing spread of COVID-19, which has caused the death of 137 people as of the time of writing, with more than 2,600 cases.
Queen Elizabeth told people to “come together to work as one”, and insisted that everyone has a “vitally important part to play” in limiting the spread of the illness, such as staying at home as much as possible, and protecting vulnerable groups including elderly people and those who are immuno-compromised.
In a statement shared on Thursday (19.03.20), 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.”
“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.”
And despite being vulnerable to the illness herself, Queen Elizabeth assured people the royal family “stand ready to play [their] part”. Concluding her message, she said: “You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has cancelled the 2020 Invictus Games.
The 35-year-old royal usually hosts the sporting event – which he launched in 2014 – every year, but has been forced to axe this year’s games due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 games were due to be held in May in The Hague, Netherlands, but
following the outbreak of the virus – which is also known as COVID-19 –
Harry has decided to cancel the event until next year’s games.
A post shared by Invictus Games The Hague 2020 (@invictusgames2020) on
Organizers of the event – in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel compete in nine sports – are now looking to host the games in 2021, but are assessing all options.
