The Queen has declared that "coronavirus will not overcome us" as she praised the resolve of those staying at home this holiday period.
The 93 year-old monarch, who is also head of the Church of England, traditionally gives an address to the nation at Christmas time.
However she has for the first time recorded a special Easter message.
In it she said that by "keeping apart we keep others safe" and that “as dark as death can be – particularly for those suffering with grief – light and life are greater."
She also insisted Easter celebration "wasn't cancelled" and that the Christian celebration was "needed more than ever."
Royal sources have said she felt compelled to make the recording as thousands of people were prohibited from attending church or celebrating the occasion due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
The special broadcast was recorded at Windsor Castle, where she and Prince Philip are self-isolating, on Good Friday and broadcast today on the royal family’s social media channels.
“Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe.
“But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.
“The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this.
“We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us.
"As dark as death can be, particularly for those suffering with grief, life and light are greater.
"May the living flame of the Easter hope, be a steady guide as we face the future."
It is the Queen’s second unprecedented broadcast in a week after she delivered a message to the Commonwealth last Sunday on the global pandemic.
In is she thanked NHS staff and all key workers for their efforts during this difficult time.
She said the UK "will succeed" in its fight against the virus, and hailed people for following the government guidelines and "coming together to help others."
