QUEEN ELIZABETH II is set to make a rare address to the nation tonight Britain strives to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed the broadcast without giving any details about its content.

It said: “Her Majesty The Queen has recorded a special broadcast to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.” 

The address, which was recorded at Windsor Castle where the 93-year-old monarch is staying with her husband, Prince Philip, will be broadcast at 20:00 BST tonight on TV, radio and social media.

Although the Buckingham Palace statement gave few details about the broadcast according to BBC News the Queen will acknowledge the grief, pain and financial difficulties Britons are facing during this “time of disruption”.

She is also expected to thank NHS staff and key workers, and emphasise the important role individuals can play.

The broadcast is intended to reassure and rally people and the decision to deliver the address was made after consulting Downing Street.

It comes as the number of deaths in the UK reached 4,313 on Saturday – up by 708 on Friday’s figure.