The Queen’s life of duty betrayed by Harry and Meghan – Andrew Vine

The selfless dedication of NHS staff is the brightest point of light to be seen, followed by the people keeping the nation fed, from farmers to shopworkers, and all the good neighbours looking out for the vulnerable or lonely.

But today there’s something else to lift the gloom just a little. It’s the Queen’s 94th birthday, another milestone in the most extraordinary reign in British history, and one which deserves to be celebrated. Especially because this year, at this time of national emergency, the bond between Queen and country feels closer than usual.

Her instinctive feel for the mood of the nation was demonstrated when she requested the customary gun salutes to mark the birthday should not take place. This is no time for pomp and ceremony.

The Queen’s address to the nation a couple of weeks ago was watched by nearly 24 million people, and many undoubtedly drew comfort and courage from what she said, not least her closing words – “We will meet again” – which was the most powerful of reminders that however dark this crisis can seem, it will one day be behind us.

No head of state anywhere in the world can rival her moral authority, and none can even approach her ability to be a tower of strength in tough times.

Add to that the unrivalled understanding the Queen has of her people, and the ability to find exactly the right words of wisdom and compassion, and the reasons to be thankful that her reign continues become even more apparent.

How in tune she and the most senior members of the Royal Family are with Britain was underlined when Prince William spoke of how he worries for the health of his father and grandparents.

Families all over the country will know exactly how he feels, for they too worry about those self-isolating because of their age or medical conditions.

Granted, confinement at Windsor Castle with the most formidable array of support imaginable is a very different prospect to that of a frightened elderly person alone in their home, but nevertheless, the Queen is essentially as vulnerable to coronavirus as any other person of her age.

Her people understand that, and knowing the most exalted person in the land shares the risk of catching this dreadful illness reinforces the feeling that we really are all in this together.

The importance of the Queen and her family in helping Britain get through this cannot be underestimated.

The example she has set of duty and support for the people as they come to terms with this unsettling and unprecedented set of circumstances has been taken up by her heirs.

Prince Charles’s appearance on videolink to open the first Nightingale Hospital, in London, was a boost for all those working so hard in the NHS.

And when Prince William did likewise for the Nightingale in Birmingham, he again struck exactly the right tone.

Indeed, William and Kate’s video calls to children, and their speaking of home-schooling their own, have demonstrated a genuine empathy with every family getting to grips with doing just that.

Their renewed championing of help for those struggling with mental health has been well-timed when countless people are isolated or worrying themselves sick about what the future holds.

Regrettably, not all members of the family have followed the Queen’s example. Over in Los Angeles, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, having fled royal duties in order to enrich themselves, were busy virtue-signalling by delivering food parcels to the poor, conveniently followed by a video camera so that the world could be left in no doubt what a compassionate pair they are.

And Harry’s assertion at the weekend – again caught on video – that Britain’s suffering during this pandemic was effectively being exaggerated by parts of the media suggested that he is hopelessly out of touch.

Families struggling to make ends meet because their livelihoods have disappeared, or those mourning loved ones – very possibly without having the chance to say goodbye, or even attend their funeral – know how agonising our country’s plight is.

The Queen, and her heirs, know that too and are doing all they can to help our country and people. So let’s all wish the Queen a happy 94th birthday and maybe even raise a glass in her honour in our own homes. Because this year especially is showing just how blessed we are to have her.

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