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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

The Queen is to address the nation in a televised speech at 5pm today

The Queen is to make a televised address to the nation on Sunday.

Her Majesty will deliver a message to mark Commonwealth Day, which this year falls on Monday, March 8.

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.

Usually, there is a service at Westminister Abbey to mark the occasion, however this won't be going ahead due to the pandemic.

Instead, Her Majesty's speech will be broadcast on Sunday, March 7 in a special hour-long episode on BBC One at 5pm.

It comes just hours before Prince Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey is due to air on CBS Network in the US.

The two-hour tell-all sit down will be available to watch in the UK on Monday on ITV.

Reports suggest the Royal Family won't be tuning in to watch the programme.

The Sunday Times reported the monarch is instead focusing on national issues, while the paper said royal courtiers have branded the interview a “circus”.

(Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese v)

Meanwhile, the Sunday Express reported that The Queen’s mind is “only on duty and Philip”.

For the 'A Celebration For Commonwealth Day' programme, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex will also make an appearance alongside the Queen, to speak about why Commonwealth links are important.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will chat in a video call with Dr Zolelwa Sifumba, from South Africa, an advocate for the rights of healthcare workers on the front line.

The Prince of Wales will pay tribute to the “extraordinary determination, courage and creativity” of the Commonwealth’s people during the Covid crisis in a speech from Westminster Abbey.

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