The Queen speaks with members of the Armed Services via Zoom
Her Majesty the Queen spoke with members of the armed services via zoom in order to learn more about their operations and how they have been adapted during the pandemic. She spoke with members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as well as Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter.
She heard from Able Seaman Sophie Levy who is on operational deployment in the Caribbean. The Queen had previously met Sophie in 2014 and she referenced their first meeting when Sophie was involved in sea cadets. She shared that her six years with the sea cadets helped her gain the confidence and experience she needed for a career in the royal Navy. Her Majesty learned about the work Sophie does which includes helping with ground maintenance and firefighting. They also discussed the upcoming hurricane season and how the Royal Navy will be helping from the July to October period.
The Queen also spoke with Colonel Terry of the British Army. Terry has been stationed in Mali since November 2019 and has been unable to see his family during this time because the Covid crisis has put rest & recuperation flights on hold. He has been working with the United Nations and therefore must abide by their rules in addition to those imposed in the United Kingdom. He shared that his wife has been home with his two children and that she works for the NHS training nurses.
Finally, she spoke to Lance Corporal Stevens who is currently at his home in Lincoln working with the Royal Air Force. He is on the Queens Colour Squadron for eight years and has marched in parade in the presence of her Majesty. He also shared that he is the pilot for the Jamaican bobsled team. He shared how he has adapted some unorthodox training methods during lockdown since gyms and other facilities have been closed which has included pushing cars up and down the street as well as making a home gym.
The Queen spoke to them from her home at Windsor Castle where she has been self-isolating with the Duke of Edinburgh and a select number of staff. She shared that she was glad that she was able to meet them all virtually and wished them luck as they continued their work during and through the pandemic. xx