One of the core roles of a consitutional monarch is to be a statesman, and to provide steady support in times of crisis. The coronavirus has brought out the best in our monarchs, as you will see below.
Alas, there are three unfortunate updates: The Japanese state visit to the UK has been postponed, the Spanish state visit to the U.S. has been cancelled, and Princess Beatrice has scaled back her wedding reception.
Note: We’ll leave the post open for comments, but let’s keep them focused on the royal responses, and not on or personal stories or discussion on how governments are handling the crisis. Everyone has been great about this so far, and we want to maintain that. We have to keep our comments focused on royals because of the limited time we have to moderate them. Thanks!
Bhutan
The good news first: It’s a royal baby boy for the King and Queen, and a brother for the Gyalsey. They added a thoughtful message for the Bhutanese people and all of us.
Belgium
King Philippe laid out a serious message to the people of Belgium.
Britain
Her Majesty the Queen has issued the following message.
A message from Her Majesty The Queen.https://t.co/xVJmB7aU40 pic.twitter.com/HLHqRnZGIP
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 19, 2020
Prince William recorded an appeal for the National Emergencies Trust, to raise funds for those who need help during the crisis.
The @NatEmergTrust has launched an appeal to raise funds to help local charities support individuals suffering hardship as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Find out more 👇https://t.co/aWvQCNUvdD pic.twitter.com/YaftXRtiWW
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 18, 2020
Spain
King Felipe addressed the Spanish people. To see the recording, click here.
Mensaje del S.M. el Rey https://t.co/LcJv2IDk5Q
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) March 18, 2020
Monaco
Unfortunately, Prince Albert has been diagnosed with the coronavirus. He is being treated at the facility named for his mother, the Princess Grace Hospital. He recorded this message a few days prior to his diagnosis.
The Netherlands
King Willem-Alexander’s family came out to support care workers and other essential personnel – very touching and very nice to see the whole famly.
Applaus van Koning Willem-Alexander, Koningin Máxima en de Prinsessen Amalia, Alexia en Ariane voor alle zorgmedewerkers, om hen een hart onder de riem te steken in hun strijd tegen het coronavirus en hun inzet voor de gezondheid van iedereen in Nederland. #applausvoordezorg pic.twitter.com/M1gVBmH22e
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) March 17, 2020
Denmark
Queen Margrethe was forthright and stately, in her usual fashion. “It is the chain we must break and all will break.” The text in English here.
Sweden
King Carl Gustav emphasized joint responsibility.
Norway
King Harald, in a setting so Norwegian it could be used in a movie, addressed his nation.