In her second speech in just a few weeks, the Queen will once more address the nation, this time on the subject of VE Day. In April, the Queen spoke to Britons on staying strong amid lockdown conditions from Windsor Castle, where she is isolating with husband Prince Phillip.

Speaking at the beginning of April, the Queen – who turned 94 this month – said she recognises there is a long road ahead in battling the pandemic, but better days are ahead.

She said: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.“

Now, the Queen will lead the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

VE Day this year falls on Friday, May 8 and commemorates when Allied Forces claimed victory over Nazi Germany.

Read More: Prince Charles heartbreak: Prince opens up on gratitude to late tutor

READ MORE

• Queen ‘rapidly’ learning new skill from Kate and William amid ‘hectic’

This speech will have a poignant meaning for the Queen, as it echoes an address given by her father, King George VI 75 years ago.

The Queen’s speech will air on Friday, May 8 at 9pm.

This was the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8, 1945.

Announcing its coverage plans for VE Day, the BBC said in a statement: “At the heart of the commemorations will be a special address from HM The Queen broadcast at 9pm – the exact time her father spoke to the nation three-quarters of a century ago.”

King George VI spoke to the nation to declare victory in Europe after what he called “nearly six years of suffering and peril”.

VE Day events this year have faced cancellation amid the coronavirus outbreak – with social distancing and lockdown measures to adhere to.

Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster of VE Day 75 wrote about the cancellation and how people can still take part in the day.

Writing on the official VE Day website Mr Peek said: “I am afraid that the terrible Coronavirus emergency and consequent Government guidance means that we must advise participants to cancel or postpone the majority of the VE Day 75 community celebrations due to take place on the bank holiday weekend of 8th – 10th May.

DON’T MISS
Kate and Prince William ‘will use imagination to create magic’  [INSIGHT]
Why Charles thought Anne’s first marriage was ‘a dreadful mistake’ [ANALYSIS]
Kate Middleton bombshell: Duchess of Cambridge set to ‘face scrutiny’ [INSIGHT]

READ MORE

• How Prince William broke royal protocol with Harry on wedding day

“It is right and proper that people should be kept safe and healthy.

“My sincere thanks to everyone who registered their events and were looking forward to celebrating VE Day 75.

“I know how disappointed you will be that these cannot now go ahead as planned.

“However, we are still encouraging solo pipers and town criers to continue to mark the occasion from a safe and suitable location.”

The ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ is also being encouraged, with people who wish to take part encouraged to raise a glass of their choice at 3pm on May 8.

To make the toast you should say “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

Instead of the planned parades, parties and services, much of the celebrations will be televised or heard on the radio.

The Queen’s speech will be the centre of a musical event called VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, which will air on BBC One from 8pm on Friday, May 8.

For the Queen to address the nation in a televised speech is extremely rare.

The upcoming VE Day speech will be only the sixth time The Queen has done so during her 65 year reign.

Following the BBC One event, Brits will be invited to take part in a country-wide singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime anthem “We’ll Meet Again”.

Also taking place throughout the day are a two-minute silence at 11am and a broadcast of then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech in the afternoon.

The BBC will also show a pre-recorded video message from Prince Charles, who will read an extract from his grandfather King George VI’s diary from VE Day.

The diary extract describes the day’s events, including the Royal Family’s Buckingham Palace balcony appearances.

For those listening to the radio, Jeremy Vine will discuss the key moments which led to the end of the war.

Radio 3’s Words And Music will also share diary extracts from 1945 with interludes of poetry and music themed around gratitude.

Source: Read Full Article