New Year's speech by the Queen of England. Queen Elizabeth II recorded her anniversary Christmas address to the nation. Without Prince George

THE QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS SPEECH December 26th, 2014

Queen calls for reconciliation in Christmas speech

Queen Elizabeth II and her family attended a service at a church in Sandringham in eastern England

In her traditional Christmas televised address, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain emphasized the importance of peace and harmony between people.

She spoke about the aftermath of September's Scottish independence referendum and also paid tribute to the day German and British soldiers ceased fire on Christmas Day 1914.

"Sometimes there seems little chance of reconciliation... but the Christmas truce reminds us that peace and goodwill have lasting power," the Queen said.

Earlier, the royal family attended a Christmas service.

In her speech, Elizabeth II said that the example of Jesus Christ teaches us to respect and value all people, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

She also said the Scottish referendum result had been a huge disappointment for some while a huge relief for others, and building bridges between them would take time.

According to the Queen, there is a place for faith and hope even where no one expects it

ANALYSIS

BBC Business Correspondent royal family Nicholas Witchell

The choice of reconciliation as the theme of this year's royal speech is hardly surprising, given the focus throughout 2014 on the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

More surprising, perhaps, was the transfer of this topic to the realities of today, such as, for example, the situation in Scotland.

According to the Queen, reconciliation is what Scotland needs after the referendum, which resulted in a narrow victory for those in favor of remaining part of the United Kingdom. For many Scots, this result was a huge disappointment, and, as the Queen noted, time must pass before one and the other can be reconciled.

The Queen also spoke candidly about how central her Christian faith is to her. According to her, this is a source of inspiration and an anchor in her life, an example of the fact that any person should be respected, regardless of what faith he adheres to.

The Queen began her speech by talking about the sculpture "Reconciliation" by Josephine de Vasconcelos.

Copies of this work can be seen on the ruins of the old cathedral in Coventry, as well as in Belfast and Berlin.

Sculpture "Reconciliation" on the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral

The Queen recalled her June trip to Belfast. According to her, memories of the visit former prison"Cromlin Road" will stay with her for a long time.

"What was once a prison of conflict is now a place of hope and new aspirations; a reminder of what can be achieved when people reach out to each other, much like this sculpted couple," the Queen said.

Elizabeth II appeared on video with the First Minister Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and his deputy Martin McGuinness: both of them were behind bars at one time.

Without Prince George

Almost the entire royal family gathered for the Christmas service in Sandrigham

Shortly before this, the public had the opportunity to see the Queen and her family on their way to the traditional Christmas service at St Magdalene's Church.

At the same time, the wife of Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the future heir to the throne, little Prince George, the son of William and Kate, were absent from this service.

"The Duchess strained her back in early December, which left her in pain, and she is currently undergoing physiotherapy. Doctors have advised her to avoid any travel for now," a royal spokeswoman said.

The absence of Kate and the future heir to the throne disappointed many onlookers who had gathered near St Magdalene's Church since 5am.

Many were upset that the Duchess of Cambridge came to the festive service without her first-born Prince George

The Queen recorded her televised address next to a carved brass box, like the ones used to bring Christmas presents to soldiers fighting in the First World War.

The delivery of such boxes was organized by the Sailors' and Soldiers' Christmas Fund, founded by Princess Mary, daughter of King George V.

Visit to a field of ceramic red poppies in memory of those killed in the war left a deep impression on the Queen

Speaking about the Christmas Truce of 1914, the Queen said: "Without any order or command, the firing stopped, German and British soldiers met on neutral ground. They took photographs and exchanged gifts. That was the Christmas Truce."

"Sometimes it seems that reconciliation has little chance in times of war and strife. However, as the Christmas truce a hundred years ago reminds us, peace and good will have a lasting power in the hearts of men and women."

The Queen also mentioned ceramic poppies to commemorate the victims of the First World War and people fighting the Ebola epidemic in Africa.

To the sounds of the Royal Orchestra Navy The Queen said: "On this frosty Christmas Eve, many of the German soldiers sang the song Silent Night, its catchy tune resounding across the front lines."

"This Christmas carol is still much loved by many today, a legacy of the Christmas truce and a reminder to us all that even in places where no one expects it, hope can still be found. A joyful Christmas to you all."

Every year on December 25, millions of people across the United Kingdom gather around their televisions to watch the broadcast of the Queen's Christmas Speech (formally known as Her Majesty's Gracious Speech). Broadcasting from the living room to Buckingham Palace just a few minutes. During this time, she talks about herself, her family and state, and may read a passage from the Bible or a poem. The Queen ties it all together with one theme that reflects the previous year and enlightens the next.

Queen Elizabeth II

This year she gave her 66th speech, choosing to important event a dress from court designer Angela Kelly, decorated with floral motifs, which she accessorized with her favorite pearl beads and a star brooch. The latter was given to her by Prince Philip in 1966.

Queen Elizabeth II, December 24, 2018

the site looks back at the highlights of royal broadcasts since Her Majesty's first address.

Queen Elizabeth II makes her first Christmas address from Sandringham in 1952

1952 was Elizabeth II's first Christmas as queen. She made her first speech on radio while sitting in the chair and desk of her late father, King George VI. The speech was broadcast from Sandringham at the time and later moved to Buckingham Palace.

“Every Christmas, at this time, my beloved father addressed his people in all parts of the world. “Today I, my people, do this,” she began. “My father and my grandfather worked all their lives to unite our people and support the ideals that were very close to their hearts. I will strive to continue their work."

The Queen ended her speech with a request for prayer - not for the country, but for herself, on the day of her upcoming coronation in June. “I want to ask you all, whatever your religion, to pray for me on that day - to pray that God will give me wisdom and strength to fulfill the solemn promises that I will make, that I may serve him faithfully and to you, all my life."

The Queen's first televised address in 1957

Until 1957, the Queen's Speech was broadcast only in audio format, both on radio and television. But thanks to the BBC, and perhaps the sophisticated "reformer" Lord Altrincham, 1957 was the first year she broadcast her address on television. Richard Webber, head of broadcast at the time, wrote in The Guardian: “We asked the Palace if the Queen would consider reading the message live on television. She was a young monarch eager to embrace the spirit of a new era and approved of the idea." That Christmas Day, at 3pm, people were able to see the Queen inside her home. This event is often cited as one of the most important ways in which Queen Elizabeth modernized the monarchy.

The new decade brought a new viewership record: more than 28 million people watched Her Highness's Christmas broadcast in 1980, which celebrated the Queen's mother's 80th birthday.

Following the divorce of three of her four children and a terrible fire that destroyed much of Windsor Castle, the Queen called 1992 her "annus horribilis" (Latin for "terrible year"). She spoke about her troubles in a 1992 Christmas broadcast: “Like many other families, we have had some difficult times this year. The prayers, understanding and compassion given to us by many of you have been a great support to us.”

However, that year, most people already knew what Her Highness was going to say - the British tabloid The Sun published her address two days earlier. The Queen sued the publication and received £200,000 in damages (which she promptly donated to charity).

Queen Elizabeth II, 1992

1997 was the year of Princess Diana's death. In connection with this tragic event, the Queen was accused of mistreatment (many people believed that she should have returned to London as soon as she heard the news, rather than remain at Balmoral). Her emotional speech was meant to dispel this perception. “We were all shocked and saddened by Diana's death. Thousands of you have expressed your grief. This was a comfort to all her loved ones,” the Queen said as pictures of flowers left in front of Buckingham and Kensington Palaces appeared on the screen. At 9 minutes and 50 seconds, it was the longest Christmas message from a British monarch. It was also the first to be published on the Internet.

Last year's Christmas message was dedicated to the importance of family relationships and family in the life of every person. Queen Elizabeth II then thanked her husband Prince Philip, with whom she has been together for 70 years, for his patience and support, and also noted his unique sense of humor.

Illustration copyright PA Image caption The Queen said she gets inspiration from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain addressed the nation with her annual Christmas message. In a ten-minute speech, she spoke of how she is inspired by "ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Thousands of "small acts of kindness" can make a difference, even when the world's problems seem too big to make that change possible, the Queen said.

In her ten-minute speech, Elizabeth II spoke about the achievements of British Olympians and Paralympians at the Rio Games.

"Having discovered abilities they barely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others," the Queen said.

The Queen, she said, was also inspired by the dedication of doctors, paramedics and crew members of East Anglian Air Ambulance, the company that is responsible for the operation of ambulance helicopters in East Anglia. Now the Duke of Cambridge and the Queen's grandson Prince William work there as a pilot.

"Unsung Heroes"

“I always draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organizers and good neighbors - the unsung heroes whose quiet devotion makes them special,” Elizabeth II said in her speech.

The Queen noted that often the world's problems, including war and injustice, seem too big for any one person to make a difference.

“On our own we cannot stop wars or eradicate injustice, but together thousands of small acts of kindness can do more than we imagine,” the Queen said.

Elizabeth II also noted the work of the 600 charities of which she is patron.

Elizabeth II is still recovering from a cold, Buckingham Palace said, so on Sunday she did not attend the Christmas service at the church of her estate in Sandringham. However, as reported, the Queen will attend family celebrations on the occasion of Christmas.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain spoke about charity, good deeds and inspiration in her Christmas address. Meanwhile, her subjects are worried about their monarch: the Queen missed the Christmas service at Sandringham Estate for the first time in 28 years due to a severe cold. Last week, Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip did not travel to Norfolk, where the royal family always celebrates Christmas. Buckingham Palace said both had a bad cold. The press is discussing the queen’s words about Brexit, said shortly before the referendum and not uttered in her Christmas speech. And fake news sites generally write that the queen is not ill, but is under “house arrest.”

In her speech, Elizabeth II spoke of her own admiration for ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They can make a difference through their good deeds, she said.

The Queen urged her subjects to take a breath before facing the world's biggest challenges.

“When people are experiencing difficulties, they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength. After all, the word “to inspire” literally means “to breathe in air,” the Queen said.

The Guardian believes that these words contain “an encrypted hint” about Brexit.

The Queen also mentioned the successes of British Olympians and Commonwealth athletes. However, you don't need to win gold medals or save lives to inspire. " Ordinary people“who do unusually good deeds give me strength,” said Elizabeth II, referring to volunteers and even just good neighbors.

The Queen paid tribute to the 600 charities of which she is a trustee.

Last week the BBC reported that Elizabeth II would cease to be a trustee of 25 national organizations, including sports, leaving the job to other members of the royal family.

Observers noticed that the Queen did not say a word about the referendum on Britain's exit from the European Union that took place last year.

Elizabeth's recorded address was broadcast on Sunday, December 25. The queen herself was battling a cold at this time.

On December 21, the 90-year-old Queen and her 95-year-old husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, did not show up at King's Cross station in London, from where they were supposed to go to their residence in Norfolk. The royal family traditionally celebrates Christmas there. The next day, Elizabeth and Philip arrived at Sandringham by helicopter. According to an official statement from Buckingham Palace, the trip was postponed due to a severe cold in the royal couple.

“The Queen continues to recover from a severe cold and will not go out to aid her recovery,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement to TASS.

It was argued that Elizabeth would still take part in the Christmas celebrations in the palace premises.

Prince Philip was able to attend the service at Sandringham on Sunday: he came to the chapel on foot along with his eldest son, Prince of Wales Charles, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla and other members of the crowned Windsor family.

The Sun writes that the British are worried about their queen, using the terms “shock” and “speculation”.

Internet jokers took advantage of the queen's absence. Yournewswire.com, which specializes in fake and satirical news, “quoted” a BBC insider in a publication written according to all the canons of a conspiracy theory. The Queen allegedly tried in her address to reveal to the world a global network of “dark forces” and name people from the establishment guilty of terrible crimes. She allegedly asked the nation for forgiveness for not doing so sooner, citing the royal family's desire to survive. The appeal was not broadcast, horrifying the television crew, writes Yournewswire.com. On TV, the entire British Commonwealth saw the second take. The Queen was "placed under house arrest" after the filming until they were sure she could again be trusted to make public speeches.

However, it is not only fake or satirical news that is associated with the Queen and the BBC's appeal. British Broadcasting Corporation political editor Laura Kuensberg said her source claimed shortly before Brexit that the Queen supported Britain leaving the European Union. Then she decided not to make the information public because she had not found a second source, The Guardian writes.

In March 2016, the tabloid The Sun wrote about the same thing. That publication caused a serious scandal and led to a successful complaint to the regulator by Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II recorded her 60th annual Christmas address to the nation, filmed at Buckingham Palace in Room 1884. In her speech, she noted that she was inspired by the "strong individuals who performed extraordinary acts" during the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year. Her Majesty also paid tribute to her husband, Prince Philip, who left public duties in the fall due to his age. Elizabeth II thanked him for his support and unique sense of humor.

The annual greeting will be broadcast at 15:00 London time (17:00 Moscow time) and will traditionally last 10 minutes.

This Christmas I'm thinking about London and Manchester. Strong people showed their best qualities in the face of tragedy. The nation has suffered a series of devastating terrorist attacks over the past year, starting with the Westminster Bridge attack in March, which killed four pedestrians.

A few months later, 22 people, including children, were killed in Manchester when a lone suicide bomber detonated a bomb as a crowd of Ariana Grande fans were leaving the Manchester Arena after a concert. The attack was the worst in Britain since the London Underground tragedy in 2005, which killed more than 50 people. In June, three terrorists drove a truck over pedestrians on London Bridge before driving to Borough Market, where they killed eight people. The criminals were shot dead by the police.

Prince Harry at a market in London supported citizens who witnessed a terrorist attack, summer 2017

Philip, famous for his jokes and inquisitive mind, has decided to leave his public duties, although he still continues to help me from time to time. Thanks to him! At Christmas we think of our homes as places of warmth, care and love. “I wish happiness to every home,” said Elizabeth II.

To address the nation, the Queen chose an ivory dress from Angela Kelly, a designer and her personal stylist. Elizabeth II first appeared in a coat and hat designed by Angela during the anniversary show of 1000 sailing boats on the River Thames in 2012.

Click on the photo to view the gallery

The monarch's Christmas address to the nation has become a tradition and was first issued almost 80 years ago. IN recent years it is broadcast on television at 15:00 London time. The founder of the tradition was Elizabeth II's grandfather, King George V, who was a cousin of the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. However, in March 1917, George officially refused to accept his brother and his family into the royal palace, effectively banning the Russian imperial family from entering and further residing in Great Britain.

But let's get back to the Christmas speech. At first it was broadcast on the radio. The tradition was interrupted twice - in 1936 and 1938. After the outbreak of the Second World War, in 1939, King George V decided to revive and strengthen it in order to strengthen the spirit of the British people.

Elizabeth II made her first radio address in 1952, and in 1957 her speech was first broadcast on television. Unlike other monarchs, the queen prepares the text of her Christmas address without the help of the prime minister and puts a lot of personal things into the message.