Queen ‘waits for the right moment’ to make a major coronavirus TV address

The Queen is preparing to make a televised address to calm the nation’s nerves during the ‘difficult times ahead’, Downing Street sources said last night. 

Her Majesty, who released a heartfelt statement on Thursday urging Britons to unite during the difficult times ahead, is waiting for the ‘right moment’ to give a full televised address. 

With the death toll from Covid-19 expected to rise substantially in the coming weeks, it is understood that as the ‘mother of the nation’ the Queen wants to time her address to make the maximum impact. 

Discussions over the address have been held between No10 and Buckingham Palace since last week, when the Queen left London to isolate with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle. 

She is expected to communicate with the Prime Minister via video link. A No10 source said: ‘It has been agreed the address will happen at a key moment in the crisis and that it will be a hugely important way to lift the nation’s morale. 

‘There is no one more experienced than Her Majesty and she will know exactly the right moment to address the country. 

‘Sadly, there are some very difficult times ahead. The country is going to be hurting. The voice of Her Majesty will provide calm reassurance that, ultimately, we will get through this.’ 

The last time the Queen gave a televised address other than her Christmas message was in 2002, after the Queen Mother died.