Queen sends message of condolence to Dame Vera Lynn's family
The Queen is to send a private message of condolence to Dame Vera Lynn’s family after her death, Buckingham Palace has said.
The monarch quoted Dame Vera’s best-known song, We’ll Meet Again, in her message to the nation in April, as she addressed Britain and the Commonwealth about the coronavirus pandemic.
Dame Vera died in the early hours of Thursday morning, her family confirmed. She was 103.
The Queen’s message comes after a public tribute from her son Charles, and his wife Camilla, who shared photographs of them with the singer on social media.
From the Clarence House account, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall simply wrote: “Remembering Dame Vera Lynn.”
The dame was known as the “forces sweetheart” during the Second World War.
The singer entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the conflict.
Her family said in a statement they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103”.
Read more: Who is Dame Vera Lynn? Wartime sweetheart channelled by Queen in coronavirus message
Dame Vera was born in East Ham, London, and rose to fame while performing for the troops during the war in countries including Egypt, India and Burma.
Her best-known songs include The White Cliffs Of Dover and There’ll Always Be An England.
Dame Vera released her own message of hope when she turned 103.
She said: “We are facing a very challenging time at the moment, and I know many people are worried about the future.
“I’m greatly encouraged that despite these struggles we have seen people joining together.
“They are supporting one another, reaching into the homes of their neighbours by offering assistance to the elderly and sending messages of support and singing into the streets.
“Music is so good for the soul, and during these hard times we must all help each other to find moments of joy. Keep smiling and keep singing.”
Read more: How the Queen became a symbol of stability in the chaos of coronavirus
The Queen, 94, quoted her in the address in April, using the words “we’ll meet again” to raise people’s spirits.
She said: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”