This year’s Christmas speech from The Queen spoke of hope and how that even though people have been apart this year, we have still been brought together.
The Queen recorded her message from the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, and stressed that life must “go on” as she used her annual Christmas broadcast to praise scientists for giving Britain “hope in the new dawn”.
“In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year,” Elizabeth II said, referring to the pandemic. “I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.”
Filming took place in accordance with covid protocols; just two cameramen and one other member of the crew, standing at a safe distance and wearing PPE.
The Head of State, who is 94, said that “you are not alone” as she acknowledged the millions of people who have been forced to change their Christmas plans at the last minute due to new government restrictions. This is the first year in over three decades The Queen hasn’t travelled to Sandringham for the festive break.
Her Majesty wore the oyster shell brooch that once belonged to her mother, on a purple dress. A single photo of Prince Philip on the desk in front of her, with a lit Christmas tree behind.
?? “In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit.”
In her 2020 broadcast, The Queen reflects on acts of kindness during this extraordinary year. pic.twitter.com/iKa67aZEUZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2020
The nation, the Monarch said, has responded to the coronavirus pandemic with a “quiet, indomitable spirit’, and also showed images from The Duchess of Cambridge’s ‘Hold Still’ campaign with the National Portrait Gallery.
Reflecting on missed religious festivals missed in 2020, Her Majesty mentioned the joy of fireworks at Diwali this year, and that although we have ‘necessarily [been] kept apart’, people have been brought together.
Our front line services, The Queen said, “still shine that lamp for us – supported by the amazing achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”
She also noted the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, and the International Day of Nurses celebrated in 2020 – especially poignant in light of the pandemic.
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior footage segued the recording into duty and how the normal is extraordinary, while the Monarch also addressed the loss of 2020.
“Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness; some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand.”
“If you are among them, you are not alone. And let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
The message finished with footage of a medical choir singing in St George’s Hall at Windsor, as well as royal events from the year, including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returning for a royal reunion at the castle after their royal train tour of the UK, as well as Captain Sir Tom’s knighting in July.