Picture this – you’re sitting comfortably in your home, perhaps kicking back with a glass of rosé and a hefty bowl of popcorn watching the latest instalment of MasterChef, when all of a sudden, the Queen of England gives you a call.
While the exact circumstances (notwithstanding popcorn, wine and escapism television) might have slightly varied, this is exactly what happened to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday evening.
And just like the rest of us would have, you can bet she took to Instagram to tell the story.
As the world remains in various states of lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve watched how Australia and other countries have tackled the virus’ spread.
For Ardern, it remains to be said that her tactic of nipping it in the bud early by going into a full level four lockdown has been incredibly effective.
Of course, that’s meant Ardern and five million other New Zealanders have had to maintain vigilance while adapting to an unprecedented way of life over the past four weeks.
As a Commonwealth country – one that’s set an incredible example by taking the virus seriously at such an early stage – the Queen clearly wanted to touch base with its leader.
So, on Monday evening, Jacinda received a call she’ll likely never forget.
“A few days ago we got a wee note to say that the Queen wanted to catch up and see how everyone in New Zealand was getting on in the midst of COVID-19,” Jacinda wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of herself on the phone.
She added: “It was such a treat to speak with Her Majesty tonight. Her affection for New Zealand, her interest in what’s happening here and her memory of places and events that are special to us never ceases to amaze me.”
The call came just as New Zealand began its first day of eased restrictions, having pulled back to level three.
While strict controls over large groups remain in place, and many businesses are limited to takeaways and working from home, it was the first sign of the country coming out the other side of the pandemic.
For that, we can only assume the Queen passed on her admiration for Jacinda’s strict approach, the results of which have echoed Australia’s in slowing the spread of the virus and flattening the curve.
The Queen made a call to Kiwi PM Jacinda Ardern to check how she, and her country was getting on.
(The Royal Family)Hundreds of fans took to the comments section on Jacinda’s update to voice their excitement.
“Two Queens having a casual chat ,” wrote one.
Another mused: “So cool! Tell her I say hi next time you chat”
One fan pointed out the surreal feeling the PM must have felt.
“‘Sorry, can’t speak now, on the phone with the Queen!’ Imagine that,” they wrote.
WATCH: The Queen delivers an historic address amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Story continues…
The Queen has been active throughout the whole pandemic while she isolates at Windsor Castle alongside Prince Philip.
In March, the Palace shared a special image of the Queen calling the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for their regular meeting, which usually takes place in person.
She also delivered an historic and unprecedented war-time-esque speech, which was broadcast across the UK.
“I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said in the stirring address.
With her latest Kiwi affiliate clearly moved by Her Majesty’s gestures, we’re keeping our eyes and ears peeled for the next.
Who knows, perhaps it’ll be you getting that “wee note” mid MasterChef on a quiet Monday evening.
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