Today marked 75 years to the day Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, following almost six years of brutal warfare and tonight the Queen delivered a poignant message to mark the anniversary of VE Day while praising the nation’s response to the coronavirus outbreak that has filled empty streets with ‘love and care’.
As she remembered Britain’s Second World War sacrifices and the ‘joyous celebrations’ that followed the end of fighting in Europe she paid tribute to today’s situation, with the tireless efforts of NHS staff, care and key workers, and communities helping the vulnerable, she reflected on a nation that “those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire”.
She also highlighted the message of VE (Victory in Europe) Day that resonates with the country’s plight today – “Never give up, never despair”.
Her televised speech was pre-recorded from Windsor Castle’s drawing room and came at the end of national celebrations which were mainly on doorsteps and in gardens due to the current coronavirus lockdown.
After the broadcast, the nation was invited to open doors and windows and take part in sing-a-long of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again, during the BBC’s VE Day 75 show.
This was the Queen’s second televised address during the coronavirus outbreak.
Today’s address followed her speech to the country on 5th April, when she delivered a message of hope to the nation and said if we remained resolute in the face of the outbreak ‘we will overcome it’ and she echoed Dame Vera’s words by telling those in lockdown ‘we will meet again’.
The Queen’s father King George VI was an important part of her speech which was broadcast at 9pm, the exact time of his radio address to the nation on May 8th 1945.
A picture of the King was next to the Queen on her desk as she spoke, and her address began with black and white footage of her father’s wartime speech.
Black and white footage was also shown of the famous Buckingham Palace balcony moment when the Queen, her family and Sir Winston Churchill acknowledged the crowds during the address with scenes of revellers conga-ing through the streets, others ballroom dancing in celebration and street parties with tables full of food.
