Photo by AFP

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday said that “we all have a vitally important part to play" in battling the coronavirus crisis, in her first official message on the outbreak.

The Queen, who has been moved to Windsor Castle outside of London due to the virus, called on Britons to draw on their past as they enter “a period of great concern and uncertainty."

“I am reminded that our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal," she said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

“Now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals — today and in the coming days, weeks and months.

“I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part," she added. - AFP