Queen's Christmas message
- 00:02:32
- ITN
Queen's Christmas message
The Queen has delivered a sombre Christmas message, acknowledging those who have been touched by recent world events. In her annual December 25 address, she referred to the global credit crisis, as well as those suffering violence in far away countries. The Queen said: "Christmas is a time of celebration. But this year, it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which once would have been taken for granted, suddenly seem less certain, and naturally give rise to feelings of insecurity. "People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be felt at home." In her speech - one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice and is able to voice her own views - the Queen also highlighted the support she and the Duke of Edinburgh receive from their family. The Prince of Wales's 60th birthday was also mentioned in the address, which was delivered from the Music Room at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen stood in front of a grand piano covered with family photos. She continued: "As parents and grandparents we feel great pride seeing our family make their own unique contributions to society. "Through his charities, the Prince of Wales has worked to support young people and other causes for the benefit of the wider community. And now his sons are following in his footsteps." The Queen paid tribute to those who have led unselfish lives in the service of others and remembered those serving their country abroad and the families that will be missing them this Christmas. The broadcast marked the 51st anniversary of the first televised Christmas speech when in 1957 the Queen spoke live from Sandringham. It also featured previously unseen home movie footage of a young Princess Elizabeth playing with Charles, aged just one, at Clarence House in 1949. The Queen has delivered one every year except in 1969, when she decided the royals had been on TV enough that year following an unprecedented documentary the family made about their life. Instead, her greeting took the form of a written address. King George V delivered the first royal Christmas broadcast live on the radio 75 years ago from Sandringham in 1932, when he read a message composed by author Rudyard Kipling.
ITN | December 25, 2008
