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Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II encouraged her compatriots, severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in her traditional Christmas speech, according to international news agencies, cited by Agerpres.
„For many people, this year is marked by sadness: some mourn the loss of a loved one, friends, and others miss the family, while wishing that Christmas was just a simple hug or a handshake, “he said. Queen of Great Britain, 94.
„If you are among them, know that you are not alone. I assure you that you are present in my thoughts and prayers ”, added the British sovereign.
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 70,000 lives in the UK, making it one of the worst in Europe. The recent worsening, linked by the British authorities to a new, more contagious viral strain, has led the London government to cancel a permit for families to reunite at Christmas in many parts of the country.
Queen Elizabeth II herself had to forego her annual visit to the Sandringham estate in the county of Norfolk in northern England, where the sovereign has been spending Christmas for over 30 years with children and other family members. British royal.
This year, Queen Elizabeth II spent Christmas at Windsor Castle near London with her husband, 99-year-old Prince Philip.
„We cannot celebrate the birth of Jesus as usual (…), but life must go on ”, added Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sovereign also spoke in her Christmas speech about the example of the British who volunteered for charities created to help vulnerable people, about medical personnel and about the “good Samaritans who have appeared in society.”
„We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and to find comfort in the fact that even on the darkest nights, there is hope, “said Queen Elizabeth II.
„In the UK, as in other parts of the world, people have reacted magnificently to the challenges of 2020, and I am proud and moved by their silent and invincible spirit, ”added the British sovereign.
During the spring quarantine period, when the London government’s handling of the pandemic was criticized and Prime Minister Boris Johnson became infected with SARS-Co-V-2 and was hospitalized, Queen Elizabeth II turned again to British citizens. in a televised speech, considered historic because the sovereign appealed only exceptionally during her 69-year reign to such speeches, generally reserved for her traditional Christmas message.
His eldest son Prince Charles, heir to the throne, who has turned 72, is spending Christmas this year with his wife, Camilla, in Scotland.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will celebrate this holiday at Anmer Hall, a Georgian mansion built 3 miles from Sandringham Royal Estate.
Editing: Monica Bonea
