Queen Elizabeth II was convinced to include the iconic ‘We’ll meet again’ phrase in her significant address to the nation amid the coronavirus lockdown. During the onset of the Covid pandemic, the Queen delivered a heartfelt message inspired by Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime spirit, aiming to unite the country. Acknowledging the efforts of NHS staff combating the virus, she urged the public to contribute by staying home.
With the UK death toll nearing 5,000 in the early stages of the pandemic, the Queen expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome the crisis. Reflecting on the sense of separation many felt, she assured the public that brighter days would return, saying, “We’ll meet again.”
In what marked her fifth national address in her remarkable 70-year reign, the Queen’s speech resonated as one of her most powerful moments. However, a new book by royal biographer Robert Hardman reveals that the Queen initially considered omitting the ‘We’ll meet again’ line, deeming it too fanciful.
According to Hardman’s book, “Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story,” the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young, suggested including the famous wartime song line in her address. Despite the line being repeatedly removed from drafts, Sir Edward convinced the Queen to retain it, leading to its inclusion in her speech.
The incorporation of the phrase on April 5, 2020, in the Queen’s address from Windsor Castle, where she stayed after leaving Buckingham Palace, became a focal point in news coverage and adorned newspaper headlines worldwide.
Hardman’s biography also touches on the Queen’s concerns for Princess Anne, known for her diligent work within the monarchy. During the lockdowns, Princess Anne supported her mother by engaging in video calls for charitable causes they both supported, aligning with the Queen’s belief that visibility is essential.
Reportedly, the Queen fretted about Princess Anne’s demanding schedule, emphasizing the need for her daughter to pace herself. A former staff member shared that the Queen closely monitored her children’s activities but particularly expressed worries about Princess Anne’s extensive workload.
