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Apr 5, 2020 10:42 PM -

Queen Elizabeth II makes rare public speech in response to COVID-19 pandemic

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In this image taken from video and made available by Buckingham Palace, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II addresses the nation and the Commonwealth from Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Sunday April 5, 2020. Queen Elizabeth II made a rare address, calling on Britons to rise to the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, to exercise self-discipline in “an increasingly challenging time”. (Buckingham Palace via AP)

Queen Elizabeth II addressed Britain, the Commonwealth and the world in a statement issued today, calling for unity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Promising ``we will meet again,'' the Queen thanked front-line workers fighting the global pandemic and encouraged people to stay home.

Although the Queen addresses the Commonwealth every Christmas morning, it's only the fifth time in her 68-year reign that she has spoken specifically to rally Britons.

The statement, which was under five minutes, was recorded Thursday at Windsor Castle, the Queen's main residence.

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