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The Queen has described how she feels the sadness and anguish of the country for being separated from her family because of the coronavirus this Christmas, since many only want “a simple hug or a handshake.”
On his annual Christmas Day broadcast, Your Majesty she praises how individuals and communities across the UK and Commonwealth have “exceeded the challenges of the year magnificently” and how she has been “touched by this calm and indomitable spirit”.
But asking the country to extract some positive aspects from the Christmas light, he says: “Even on the darkest nights, there is still hope in the new dawn.”
Speaking in a more personal tone than we would normally hear from the monarch, he says: “For many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness.
“Some mourn the loss of loved ones and others miss friends and family estranged for safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a handshake.
“If you are among them, you are not alone and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
The message was filmed in the Green Room of Windsor Castle, where the 94-year-old monarch is located. spend a quiet christmas with the Duke of edinburgh.
Only camera operators were allowed in the room, as it was filmed under strict COVID-19 restrictions.
Usually a series of family photographs are placed next to the Queen for the message, but this time only a photograph of Prince Philip, 99, is on the desk, a symbol of Christmas smaller and more discreet than the entire country. is having to endure. .
Most of the photos in the broadcast were from the Duchess of Cambridge’s photo project.
Using the example of the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, the Queen praises the unexpected heroes who have faced the challenge of the pandemic.
She says, “Surprisingly, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has brought us closer in so many ways.
“In the UK and around the world, people have met the challenges of the year magnificently and I am very proud and moved by this calm and indomitable spirit.”
Captain Tom Moore was knighted by the Queen for his NHS fundraising
She adds “Good Samaritans have emerged throughout society showing care and respect for all regardless of gender, race or origin, reminding us that each of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.”
Almost all of the photographs used in the broadcast are taken of the Duchess of Cambridge Hold Fixed Photo Project which he launched with the National Portrait Gallery to document the country’s experiences with the pandemic.
Include a photo of Captain Tom Moore, who was knighted by the Queen this year, and lots of photos from NHS staff.
Reflecting on how this has been the “year of the nurse,” marking 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, Her Majesty pays a special tribute to medical workers.
The Queen also reflects on the anniversary of the burial of the unknown warrior
“Today, our front-line services still provide us with that light, backed by the amazing achievements of modern science, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”
Speaking about the added relevance of the centenary of the burial of the unknown warrior at Westminster Abbey, the Queen says: “The unknown warrior was not exceptional, that’s the point, he represents millions like him who throughout our history have put the lives of others above their own and they will today.
“For me, this is a source of lasting hope in difficult and unpredictable times.”
A choir of doctors and nurses from the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir was honored to perform the closing carol, Joy to the World.
One of the images from Kate’s Hold Still project
Graeme Tyler, a senior nurse in the Children’s ER at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, said they were only told at the last minute why they had been asked to rehearse the carol.
He said: “What we have done as a very small choir is try to raise morale within the NHS and for everyone within the community, and that is very, very important, and we are honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to represent. to the NHS at a time like this where everyone is working so hard, it’s amazing. “
The Queen closes her transmission with the words: “The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the place of the birth of Jesus.
“Let the light of Christmas, the spirit of self-denial, love and above all hope, guide us in the times to come.
“It is in that spirit that I wish you a very Merry Christmas.”
