A speech has been prepared for the Queen to address the nation in the event of World War III, which actually seems a frightening possibility in 2022.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, the spectre of nuclear warfare has threatened the planet.
And if WWIII was to reach British soil, the Queen would be required to make a very important speech.
Originally written in 1983, during the height of the Cold War, the speech was made public in 2013 by the National Archives.
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It would undoubtedly have to be amended to fit the era of today, such as removing the mention of Prince Andrew working in the Royal Navy.
However, the speech still provides a glimpse into the Queen’s reaction in the unlikely event of nuclear warfare.
As per the BBC, the speech reads as if the Queen was broadcasting the message at midday on Friday 4 March 1983, beginning: “When I spoke to you less than three months ago we were all enjoying the warmth and fellowship of a family Christmas.
“Our thoughts were concentrated on the strong links that bind each generation to the ones that came before and those that will follow.
“The horrors of war could not have seemed more remote as my family and I shared our Christmas joy with the growing family of the Commonwealth.”
The Queen then turns her attention to the issue at hand, stating: “Now this madness of war is once more spreading through the world and our brave country must again prepare itself to survive against great odds.
“I have never forgotten the sorrow and the pride I felt as my sister and I huddled around the nursery wireless set listening to my father's inspiring words on that fateful day in 1939.
“Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.”
Touching on the ever-present fear of technological advancement, Her Majesty continues: “We all know that the dangers facing us today are greater by far than at any time in our long history.
“The enemy is not the soldier with his rifle nor even the airman prowling the skies above our cities and towns but the deadly power of abused technology.
“But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength.”
With a touching reference to the Queen’s late husband Prince Philip, the speech then reads: “My husband and I share with families up and down the land the fear we feel for sons and daughters, husbands and brothers who have left our side to serve their country.
“My beloved son Andrew is at this moment in action with his unit and we pray continually for his safety and for the safety of all servicemen and women at home and overseas.
“It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown.
“If families remain united and resolute, giving shelter to those living alone and unprotected, our country's will to survive cannot be broken.”
The concluding paragraphs are as follows: “My message to you therefore is simple. Help those who cannot help themselves, give comfort to the lonely and the homeless and let your family become the focus of hope and life to those who need it.
“As we strive together to fight off the new evil let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be.
“God bless you all.”
Topics: The Queen, Royal Family, UK News
Abbi Murray