LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
National Day of Reflection: Queen speaks of Britain’s ‘grief and loss’ as nation stops to remember Covid dead
THE Queen reflected on the “grief and loss felt by so many” as the nation paused to remember those lost to coronavirus.
It came as the country held a minute’s silence at midday on Britain's National Day of Reflection in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis.
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It comes as part of a National Day of Reflection, initiated by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, to mark a year since lockdown began.
Leading today's tributes, The Queen said: "As we look forward to a brighter future together, we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year."
The monarch also marked the occasion by sending a bouquet of flowers to St Bartholomew's Hospital, where Prince Philip recently underwent a heart operation.
Prince William and Kate Middleton also spent a private moment of reflection in the shrine of St Edward the Confessor at Westminster Abbey while visiting staff at a vaccine centre.
The Duke of Cambridge lit a candle and the Duchess laid a bouquet of daffodils in the shrine to remember those who lost their lives to the virus.
Meanwhile, cathedrals in Blackburn, Winchester, Gloucester and York Minster today fell silent in honour of those who have died during the pandemic.
'DARK AND DIFFICULT YEAR'
The Prime Minister, who has offered his "sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones", observed the minute's silence privately.
Earlier, Downing Street said Mr Johnson had reflected with Cabinet ministers this morning on what had been "a very dark and difficult year" for the nation.
Brits are also being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance".
London's skyline will turn yellow when landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium light up at nightfall.
Other notable buildings that will be illuminated include Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall.
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In a recorded message earlier, Prince Charles, who is a patron of Marie Curie, said: "We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
"Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
"In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times."
On March 23 last year, Boris Johnson ordered the first lockdown as the virus took hold, with shops and hospitality completely shut and gatherings banned. Over 126,000 people have since died during the pandemic.
Today, the PM said the year that followed had taken a “huge toll on us all”, and stood out as “one of the most difficult in our country's history”.
He added: “We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year.”
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Last night ahead of the anniversary, the PM vowed to end lockdowns once and for all.
He said: "We have all played our part, whether it’s working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
“It’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.”
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Marie Curie estimates that more than six million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began.
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Its chief executive Matthew Reed said: “Communities across the UK have come together to support one another during these most challenging of times, and it is that sense of community that will help many now find healing in the future as well.”
Over 250 organisations will support the day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians.
Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard fight back tears as they read out tributes to loved ones lost to Covid
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