It was one of the most anticipated and historic speeches of a truly historic reign. On Christmas Day 2020, millions listened as Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the most difficult of times.
The late Queen had seen Great Britain and the Commonwealth through many of the major moments of the twentieth and twenty first centuries. In 2020, she gave two televised addresses- the first in April and the second on Christmas Day.
As the Covid-19 pandemic caused millions of deaths in 2020 and changed life as we knew it with lockdowns and social distancing bringing about “new normals”. Never one to shy away from the trials we face, Queen Elizabeth II addressed the ways that communities, families, and groups came together in spite of everything.
In May 2020, International Nurses’ Day was celebrated on the 12th, on the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Her Majesty discussed the role of nurses and healthcare professionals, and the work that they do for everyone. She said ”Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us – supported by the amazing achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”
Her Christmas Day Broadcast was notably Christian in tone with a mention of the Good Samaritan parable and a confirmation that her Christian faith continued to guide her.
Her Majesty also spoke to those missing their loved ones at the holidays. The UK had just been placed under new Covid regulations which meant many people had, at the very last moment, learned they would not be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Queen Elizabeth II said ”this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
