The Queen has repeated the final line of her historic Covid-19 speech in her New Year message, providing a stark reminder of the challenging weeks ahead.
The Monarch took to social to wish followers a Happy New Year, sharing four photos from the unprecedented last 12 months.
The message read: “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.” - HM The Queen.
"Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year."
The words are the final line of her address to the nation in April, when the UK was in the first peak of the pandemic.
Despite now have a vaccine for the horrific virus, which has claimed the lives of thousands around the world, 44.1million people or 78% of England are facing Tier 4 restrictions as we wait for the drug to be rolled out.
This means most people are beginning 2021 in the same way they were in April - unable to see their loved ones.
The coronavirus message was only the fifth national address of the Queen's reign, aside from her annual Christmas speech, and was watched by millions of people.
She praised the NHS and other key workers for all they are doing at this difficult time, and thanked people who are staying home and not seeing their loved ones in a bid to stop the spread.
She said that she hopes people will all look back at the crisis and "take pride in how they responded to this challenge".
Speaking about the "pain" many are feeling at being away from the people they love, she reflected on meeting evacuated children during the war.
Fans praised the Queen's New Year message and sent their well-wishers to the royal family in the comments section.
One wrote: "What a year 2020 has been but Her Majesty and the working royals made it better with their support during this difficult time! I’m not from the UK but you all made me feel better with everything done! I wish you all a great and very healthy New Year."
Another commented: "Thank you YRH....Her Majesty ...The Queen....We also wish you a healthy and a happier 2021...Hope ...the new year brings us the hope, the smile and above all...The Happiness that was missing in 2020. Here’s to 2021."
