Queen Elizabeth broadcasted her annual Christmas Day speech from the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace today. The monarch spoke of the importance of peace, goodwill and respect, but she also shared her opinion on developments in her own family. Her grandson Prince Harry married former US actress Meghan Markle earlier this year and the pair are now expecting their first baby. The Queen made a reference to the new couple in the speech and said it had been a “busy year.”
She also made reference to the fact that she had been kept “well-occupied” by these changes in the royal family.
“Closer to home, it’s been a busy year for my family, with two weddings and two babies, and another child expected soon,” Elizabeth said.
“It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied,” she added as she spoke to the camera.
Her granddaughter Princess Eugenie, 28, was also married this year to long-term boyfriend Jack Brooksbank, 32.
As for royal babies, Kate Middleton, 36, and Prince William, 36 welcomed third child Prince Louis, eight months, on 23 April.
Meanwhile, another of the Queen’s grandchildren, Zara Philips, and husband Mike Tindall had a second daughter this year – Lena Elizabeth Tindall.
The Queen also mentioned other celebrations that had happened in 2018, namely the 70th birthday of her son Prince Charles.
“We have had other celebrations too, including the 70th birthday of The Prince of Wales,” she said.
She also revealed what three of the most important values are to her – and have been throughout her life.
“But through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance.”
The Queen also made reference to her long life and what she has observed of humankind.
“Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I’d like to think so,” she said.
“Perhaps part of that wisdom is to recognise some of life’s baffling paradoxes, such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil.
“Even the power of faith, which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice, can fall victim to tribalism.”
Although broadcast on Christmas Day, the Queen’s Speech is pre-recorded. The Queen is currently in Sandringham, Norfolk with her family.
She attended the royal family’s Christmas Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the estate today.
The Queen looked elegant as ever in a grey and pink outfit and could be seen speaking to the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere as they left the church.