The Queen shares personal feelings of defiance with the nation in the first ever recorded Easter message

The Queen has addressed the nation tonight with an uplifting message stating ‘We know the coronavirus will not overcome us’.
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In her first ever recorded message during the holy week, Her Majesty urged people to keep their spirits high and embrace the true essences of the season because they are more relevant now than ever before.

This comes just after the UK recorded its highest daily death toll of 980 people. Citizens across the country have since been encouraged to remain indoors and continue social distancing practices this Easter weekend.

In her address, The Queen said: “This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.

The Queen collects flowers from children outside Sheffield Cathedral for Maundy Thursday during a 2015 visit. Picture: Andrew RoeThe Queen collects flowers from children outside Sheffield Cathedral for Maundy Thursday during a 2015 visit. Picture: Andrew Roe
The Queen collects flowers from children outside Sheffield Cathedral for Maundy Thursday during a 2015 visit. Picture: Andrew Roe

"The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this.

"We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future."

The Queen also took the opportunity to remind the nation about the religious customs associated with Easter using it to bolster message, she continued: “Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. 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. They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.

"As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit.

“It's a way of showing how the good news of Christ's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now."

In a message posted on all the royal family social media channels, she goes on to wish everyone "of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter".

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