The Queen hopes we will all look back at the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic and "take pride in how we responded to this challenge".
The Monarch spoke about the way Brits have dealt with the worldwide heath crisis as she addressed the nation from Windsor Castle.
In her message, she said she believes future generations will say we were "as strong as any".
In the fifth nation address of her reign, she said: "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.
"And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.
"That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country.
"The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future."
She also spoke with pride of the two occasions Brits have come together to clap from their windows to thank NHS staff and key workers.
She said: "The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.
"Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort."
People up and down the country tuned in to watch the pre-recorded message, which was filmed in the White Drawing Room of Windsor Castle.
She moved to the castle last month as the outbreak began to grip the country, and is now living there with her husband Prince Philip.
Her son Prince Charles has tested positive for the virus, but has now had the all clear from doctors.
She wore a green dress with a turquoise and diamond brooch for the historical moment.
She began her message by thanking the NHS and key workers who have risked catching the virus themselves by going to work to help others.
She said: "I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.
"I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times."
She went on to thank members of the public who are doing their bit to stop the spread by staying inside and not spending time with their loved ones.
She said: "I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.
"Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it."
