The Queen's historic speech amid the coronavirus pandemic this evening has received global praise as she brought the nation together.
The 93-year-old monarch gave a moving speech in which she praised NHS and care workers for their critical work - and also thanked all those who were sticking to government measures and staying at home.
After being placed into isolation with Prince Philip, 98, at Windsor Castle, the monarch's speech came as a rare broadcast to the nation.
She said: "Grief came to some, financial difficulty to many and changes to the lives of us all.
"I want to thank everyone on the NHS frontline as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles who selflessly carry out their day to day duties out side of their home.
"I'm sure the nation will join me in saying what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings closer to normal times.
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"I also want to than those of you who are staying at home."
Her speech has been praised as "powerful" and "heartfelt".
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “The Queen speaks for the whole country and our determination to defeat the coronavirus.”
Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth said: “Her Majesty spoke for all of us at this time of grave emergency.
“Her tribute to our brave NHS and care staff was powerful and heartfelt.
“As the Queen reminded us - we stand as a nation united in total admiration for our NHS and we will come through this together.
“Better days will indeed return for our loved ones and our friends.”
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who chairs the Commons Health Committee, said: “Thank you Your Majesty for speaking for us all tonight in your thanks to NHS and frontline workers, for giving us confidence in our national virtues and also hope in a dark time.”
Labour MP Stephen Doughty, who sits on the Commons Home Affairs Committee,
said: “Her Majesty’s message was straightforward and heartfelt.
“It was absolutely right she started with a powerful tribute to all of the NHS, care and other key workers - and also highlighting the huge positivity that has come out of communities up and down the country even in these dark times.
“And by drawing on her own life experience of having to rally the nation in its most difficult times, including as a child, she certainly inspired hope that things will indeed be better again soon.”
Piers Morgan wrote: "Nothing since World War 2 has impacted Britain like this devastating coronavirus crisis. Her Majesty’s words will be a huge comfort to many people. We are so lucky to have her."
Donald Trump said: "A great and wonderful woman" .
The Archbishop of Canterbury said: "We all echo The Queen’s praise for our wonderful health, emergency, retail and logistics workers.
"As we were reminded by Her Majesty’s moving words, we will get through this together by staying at home, protecting the vulnerable and putting others’ needs first."
Nigel Farage said: "No other living person could have delivered this message of hope beyond adversity with such passion and integrity. God save the Queen."
Labour MP Stephen Doughty, who sits on the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: “Her Majesty’s message was straightforward and heartfelt.
“It was absolutely right she started with a powerful tribute to all of the NHS, care and other key workers - and also highlighting the huge positivity that has come out of communities up and down the country even in these dark times.
“And by drawing on her own life experience of having to rally the nation in its most difficult times, including as a child, she certainly inspired hope that things will indeed be better again soon.”
Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil said: “Queen's Speech was very good. The NHS idea and social democracy well anchored now in everybody's psyche.”
Labour's Chris Elmore said: “Resolute and thoughtful words from Her Majesty the Queen.
“Making clear we must all play our part now to keep people safe.”
RAF hero John Nichol, whose Tornado bomber was shot down in the Gulf War, tweeted: “Tough times ahead, but HM is certainly a symbol of, despite any personal politics, what is really good about our great nation.
"Stay at home. Look after your loved ones. Protect our protectors."
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