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Ever since her first televised Christmas speech in December 1957, Queen Elizabeth’s broadcast every December 25 is a seasonal highlight for many royal watchers.
This year’s broadcast, which was filmed in Buckingham Palace’s Music Room, is a bit more somber than usual. Queen Elizabeth talked about the struggling economy, the 90th remembrance of the end of World War I, and the generosity of many in the service of their communities.
Interspersed with the Queen speech were video clips of various members of the British royal family at past and recent events: Prince Harry at the Children of Courage awards, Sofie, Countess of Wessex at a Christmas gathering, Prince Charles as a toddler and at charity events, and Prince William at his wings ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth ended her Christmas message with a reflection on the life of Jesus:
I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching.
He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served. We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage.
I hope that the Christmas message will encourage and sustain you too, now and in the coming year.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
The end of the Christmas message showed the Queen playing with a tiny Prince Charles.