Princess Mary's mother-in-law's historic message of hope amid coronavirus pandemic

While world leaders implement measures to protect their citizens against the coronavirus pandemic, Princess Mary of Denmark's mother-in-law has issued a message of hope to the public.

Queen Margrethe II addressed her nation in crisis on Tuesday, urging them to "create new hope in a difficult time."

"My thoughts go to each one in this country with the desire for hope and confidence and good courage," she said.

In what is a historic first for a Danish regent to officially address the country outside of the traditional New Year's speech, Queen Margrethe outlined the difficult changes the spread of coronavirus has had. 

"Spring is coming, Denmark is bursting with life. Now everyday life is put on hold," she said.

"It feels both scary and unreal, but it is our new reality and we must realise and learn that it requires something from all of us."

Urging people to take seriously the simple procedures to prevent the spread of the virus — "wash hands, keep distance, stay home" — Queen Margrethe highlighted the important role every citizen had in combating the illness.

"It is the chain that we must break and that we can break. It can only happen when we all think and do the same thing at the same time - and in the right time," she said.

Making a public appeal, Queen Margrethe also emphasised the gravity of the pandemic: "It concerns all of us. We must do something each and every one."

"Coronavirus is a dangerous guest. It spreads like rings in the water and it goes strong. One person can infect many - even without feeling ill themselves, and the infection goes on to even more, a long and frightening chain. In that chain, humans will die."

The 79-year-old monarch expressed her deep sympathies for the families of the four people that have died from the virus in Denmark, while addressing the greater region of Europe.

"My thoughts go to everyone who has fallen ill and to their relatives here in Denmark, in Greenland and in the Faroe Islands. I also think of all the Danes abroad who right now feel far from home," she added.

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik have taken their children out of school early to return home from Switzerland, as the Prince remarked "most natural to return home and stand with the Danes."

Queen Margrethe II also confirmed the cancellation of nation-wide celebrations to mark her 80th birthday scheduled for April and June.

All scheduled engagements for the Danish royal family have been called off until further notice.

Denmark has banned gatherings of more than 10 people as more than 1,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus.