Queen Elizabeth II: “Coronavirus will not overcome us”

In her first ever Easter message, Queen Elizabeth II reminded the people that there is hope amidst the pandemic, saying “coronavirus will not overcome us.”

Audio of the 93-year-old monarch was released on the royal family’s social media channels.

“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.”

The message continued: “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.”

“we need Easter as much as ever”

Her Majesty, The Queen added that Easter is not cancelled. Moreover, she emphasised that the promise of Easter must be held onto.

“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 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.”

Earlier this week, Queen Elizabeth II delivered a rare television address, urging the people to practice self-discipline as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

To date, there are more than 79,800 confirmed cases and more than 9,800 deaths related to the coronavirus disease in the UK.