A speech written for Queen Elizabeth to read out at the outbreak of World War Three has been found.
The note was prepared by an imaginative speechwriter during a disaster planning exercise in 1983, during the height of the Cold War when relations between the US and Russia were worsening, and it refers to the 87-year-old monarch's "beloved son Andrew" on the frontline.
The moving speech, which is among previously secret Cabinet files newly released by the National Archives, also sees Elizabeth condemning the "deadly power of abused technology".
An extract from the speech reads: "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.
"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."
The writer then envisages the queen wrapping up the speech by encouraging the country to stick together and help each other out during such a traumatic time.
It continues: "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."
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