The Queen has talked of her ‘delight’ at welcoming her eighth great-grandchild Archie into the family in her Christmas message – as she spoke of a ‘bumpy’ year after the turmoil surrounding Prince Andrew.
As the Queen spoke viewers saw a photograph, released a few days after Archie’s birth on May 6, which captured the moment she and the Duke of Edinburgh saw Archie for the first time as his proud parents and grandmother Doria Ragland looked on.
Her Majesty has also been ‘struck’ by the ‘sense of purpose’ younger generations have shown in tackling issues like climate change.
The Queen has been ‘struck’ by the ‘sense of purpose’ younger generations have shown in tackling issues like climate change, she said in her Christmas Day message (pictured)
As the Queen spoke viewers saw a photograph, released a few days after Archie’s birth on May 6, which captured the moment she and the Duke of Edinburgh saw Archie (pictured with his parents Meghan and Harry) for the first time as his proud parents and grandmother Doria Ragland looked on
Her comments follow a year which has seen young people inspired to become environmental campaigners by the example of schoolgirl activist Greta Thunberg (pictured)
Her comments follow a year which has seen young people inspired to become environmental campaigners by the example of schoolgirl activist Greta Thunberg.
During her annual address the Queen acknowledged the ‘bumpy’ path her family and the country has faced during the past 12 months, but mentioned some of the positives such as the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first child.
She highlighted how often ‘small steps, not the giant leaps’ bring about lasting change in the world – the theme of her Christmas Day broadcast.
The Queen said the Christmas message of peace and goodwill still has relevance today – a comment which follows a year of bitter debates in Parliament and the country over Brexit.
She said the message was a reminder of what can be achieved when people abandon their differences and ‘come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation’.
Her words are likely to be interpreted as an appeal for the healing of divisions in the country as Britain leaves the EU.
The Queen said in her message: ‘The challenges many people face today may be different to those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.’
Swedish teenager Greta’s activism has sparked a global climate strike movement that has seen millions of youngsters across the world protest by refusing to go to classes.
She addressed a UN summit on the issue in September, telling world leaders they had failed to act.
‘You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,’ she said.
Her efforts were acknowledged by the Duke of Cambridge who said climate activists were ringing the ‘planetary alarm bell louder’.
The Christmas message, produced by the BBC, was recorded in Windsor Castle’s green drawing room after the General Election but before Philip was admitted to a private London hospital for treatment for a pre-existing but undisclosed condition.
The Duke spent four nights being treated before he was discharged on Christmas Eve morning, in time to join the royal family celebrations at Sandringham.
In her message to the country and Commonwealth the Queen mentioned the carol It Came Upon The Midnight Clear – performed at the end of the broadcast.
She added: ‘Like many timeless carols, it speaks not just of the coming of Jesus Christ into a divided world, many years ago, but also of the relevance, even today, of the angels’ message of peace and goodwill.
‘It’s a timely reminder of what positive things can be achieved when people set aside past differences and come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation.
‘And, as we all look forward to the start of a new decade, it’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.’
A string of milestones marked during 2019 were mentioned by the Queen, from the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings to the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
She began her address by highlighting its theme of ‘small steps’ as she spoke about the Apollo 11 mission.
‘As those historic pictures were beamed back to Earth, millions of us sat transfixed to our television screens, as we watched Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind – and, indeed, for womankind,’ said the Queen.
She added: ‘It’s a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start with small steps.’
Nearby was a picture of the Queen meeting Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin.
Speaking about D-Day, the Queen mentioned the ‘look of concern on my father’s face’ as King George VI knew about the secret plans but could not ‘share that burden’.
Seventy-five years on from the historic landings, she said former enemies had met in friendship at commemorations marking the anniversary in Britain and on the continent.
During her annual address the Queen acknowledged the ‘bumpy’ path her family and the country has faced during the past 12 months, but mentioned some of the positives like the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ‘s first child
The Queen added: ‘Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight. It takes patience and time to rebuild trust, and progress often comes through small steps.
The Queen’s nod to The Crown: Her Majesty talks of historic meeting with 1969 Apollo heroes that featured in Netflix series – with famous snap on desk
A photograph of the Queen meeting the first men on the moon 50 years ago has been placed on the table behind her for her Christmas Day message.
The picture, which was just out of a shot in a preview image released today, shows her meeting Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in October 1969.
The photo of the Queen with the Apollo 11 astronauts at Buckingham Palace could be a nod to Netflix series The Crown, which featured the scene five weeks ago.
A photograph of the Queen meeting the first men on the moon 50 years ago has been placed on the table behind her for her Christmas Day message
‘Since the end of the Second World War, many charities, groups and organisations have worked to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides.
‘By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost.’
During the broadcast footage was shown of America’s moon landings, national D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, and world leaders meeting the Queen during the recent Nato reception at Buckingham Place, which marked the alliance’s 70th anniversary.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were featured at a French D-Day service in Bayeux, Normandy, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were shown celebrating St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards.
Speaking about how Jesus showed the world that ‘small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences’, the Queen added: ‘Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps.
‘The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.’
The Queen’s comment about experiencing a ‘bumpy’ year is thought to be her first public reference to the personal events involving her family during the past 12 months.
During 2019, the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a dramatic car accident, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke about their struggles living in the public eye and the Duke of York gave a disastrous television interview about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Queen also paid tribute to the men and women of the emergency services and the armed forces, and remembered those on duty this Christmas working to keep the nation ‘safe and secure’.
At the end of the broadcast footage was shown of the Queen, Charles, William and Prince George preparing Christmas puddings earlier this month at Buckingham Palace for the Royal British Legion’s Together at Christmas initiative.
It really WAS a ‘bumpy year’: Buckingham Palace releases photos of the Queen at every Christmas Day speech for last decade… with her majesty looking especially stern this year amid Prince Andrew crisis
- Windsors official Twitter account shared pictures of the Queen during her speech over the last decade
- This year’s Christmas speech follows Andrew stepping down after backlash over Jeffrey Epstein friendship
- Queen looks happiest in 2017 as she sits beside pictures of Prince George as well as Princess Charlotte
- The 2019 speech will be delivered next to family picture of William and Kate but not Meghan and Harry
Buckingham Palace has released photos of the Queen at every Christmas Day speech for the last decade, showing Her Majesty looking particularly stern this year amid the Prince Andrew crisis.
It comes after a bumpy year for the Windsors as the Duke of York was forced to step down from royal duties following a disastrous Newsnight interview in which he said he did not regret his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Today Queen Elizabeth II will deliver her 2019 speech at 3pm as Andrew faces continued backlash due to accusations that he had sex with Virginia Roberts who was trafficked to London by Epstein.
Prince Philip’s health has also been a concern for the palace as the 98-year-old spent four nights in hospital in the run up to Christmas before heading to Sandringham by helicopter to spend it with his loved ones.
Today the Royal Family’s official account tweeted: ‘Merry Christmas everyone! Today marks the 68th Queen’s Christmas speech and the last of the decade. You can watch the broadcast at 3pm GMT on TV, radio and here online @RoyalFamily #ChristmasDay2019.’
As the picture of her looking especially stern sat next to a 2017 picture in which she beamed beside portraits of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, she is set to address the difficulties that have best the royals. Addressing a turbulent 12 months, she will say ‘small steps’ can overcome difficulties and division.
The Queen appears stern as she sits beside pictures of the Cambridges, Prince Phillip who has been in hospital, and Prince Charles who was central to ensuring that Prince Andrew step down from Royal duties during the furious backlash about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Pictured closest to the Queen is her father, King George VI
She appears in stark contrast to her appearance two years ago, when she put on a brave face while speaking on the importance of home in the wake of the Grenfell fire tragedy that year as well as the Manchester Arena bombing.
Following a year of tensions between the press and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Her Majesty will sit today beside a picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton. She will not appear beside a picture of Harry and Meghan, despite doing so last year.
Though Prince Andrew has stepped down from public duties, he was seen joining senior royals at Sandringham this morning.
He walked in solidarity with his older brother Charles today as they made their way to their annual Christmas Day service.
Pictured, left, the Queen during her 2010 Christmas speech. The monarch focused on how sport can build harmony after the summer’s Commonwealth Games. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2011 Christmas speech, when she talked about her family being inspired by the British and Commonwealth people. This was a happy year for the Royal Family and saw the marriages of Prince William to Kate Middleton and Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall. Pictured, right, the Queen at her 2012 Christmas speech, when she used the Diamond Jubilee year to speak of her pride at the London Olympic Games
Pictured, left, the Queen in her 2013 Christmas message, when she looked back on the birth of her grandson Prince George. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2014 speech, in which she marked 100 years since the start of the First World War and touched on the importance of reconciliation after conflict. Pictured, right, the Queen delivers her 2015 speech to reach out to those who had lost loved ones that year
Pictured, left, the Queen at her 2016 address, when she honoured the Olympians and Paralympians of the Commonwealth following the Olympic Games in the summer. The speech came after her 90th birthday celebrations. Pictured, centre, the Queen beams during her 2017 speech as she sits alongside pictures of Princess George and Princess Charlotte and speaks of the importance of home following the Islamist bombing on Manchester Arena and the Grenfell fire tragedy in Kensington, west London. Pictured, right, the Queen’s 2018 address in which she sits alongside pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Sussexes. This year she will not sit beside a photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
The beleaguered Duke of York cut a solemn figure as he walked alongside Prince Charles on what is his first public outing since his controversial BBC interview.
Their mother was driven to her Norfolk estate this morning without her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who was discharged from hospital in London yesterday. The Earl of Wessex and his daughter Lady Louise Windsor also strolled into St Mary Magdalene Church together.
Hundreds of well-wishers have been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of members of the royal family, and waved excitedly as the Queen left with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and was driven to the royal family’s traditional 11am service.
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York arriving to attend the church service
Wearing a fur coat and silk head scarf, Her Majesty arrived at her Norfolk estate this morning
The new Fab Four: Karen Anvil, 40, who last year took the perfect shot of Kate, William, Meghan and Harry scored again today as she captured this image of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two eldest children
Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service.
Andrew’s daughter Princess Beatrice was also joined by fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi for the first time at the church.