The Queen tells of her ‘pride’ at British businesses’ ‘heartwarming’ response to Covid crisis after thousands of small to large firms stepped up to support the NHS and hard-hit communities
- Her Majesty says it gave her ‘great pride’ to see what business groups are doing
- Sends ‘warmest best wishes and support to business communities’ worldwide
- Queen has been living at Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip since March
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The Queen today praised the ‘heartwarming’ response of Britain’s companies to helping the NHS and vulnerable communities during the coronavirus crisis.
Her Majesty said it gave her ‘great pride’ to see what business groups are doing to ‘help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities’ amid the pandemic.
She wrote a message to the British Chambers of Commerce, which represents almost 75,000 firms employing six million people across the UK, and sent her ‘warmest best wishes and support to business communities’ around the world.
The 94-year-old monarch has been living at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince Philip, 99, since March and celebrated her official birthday there last Saturday.
Queen Elizabeth II watches a ceremony in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle in Berkshire to mark her official birthday last Saturday
The Queen wrote a message to the British Chambers of Commerce in which she sent her ‘warmest best wishes and support to business communities’ around the world
The Queen wrote: ‘As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world.
‘At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities.
‘As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, it gives me great pride to see the contribution you and your members are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities.
‘I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead. Elizabeth R.’
The Royal Family Instagram account also posted this message on its page this morning
The Queen released the letter as Britain’s retailers continue to struggle through the pandemic despite a much-needed boost in sales last month compared with April.
Sales volumes in May jumped 12 per cent compared with the previous month, although they were still down 13.1 per cent versus February, official figures showed.
Non-food stores saw the biggest boost, helped with a 42 per cent increase in household goods store sales and the reopening of more DIY and hardware stores.
B&Q resumed trading last month with huge queues of shoppers in car parks, desperate for a DIY fix, while Ikea reopened earlier this month, with hour-long lines.
The monthly growth rate for total retail sales increased in May 2020 but only partly recovered from the large falls experienced in March and April 2020
Since the coronavirus crisis took hold, the Queen and Philip have spent more time under the same roof together during lockdown than they have in many years.
Philip had been spending much of his retirement on Sandringham more than 100 miles away from the Queen, who was usually at Buckingham Palace or Windsor.
But they were reunited at the Berkshire castle three months ago for their safety after Philip was flown there by helicopter on March 19 ahead of lockdown.
They are being attended by a reduced palace staff of around 20 dubbed ‘Operation Bubble’, and most days they have lunch or dinner together.