Queen Elizabeth looks back on a busy year for the Royal Family, pays tribute to the armed forces, reflects on the power of faith and calls for mutual respect and goodwill in her annual Christmas message.
BBC News - The Queen's Christmas message 2018
Reflects on the Royal Family's 'Busy Year'
Read the full transcript here.
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As is tradition, Queen Elizabeth II addressed her people this afternoon, sharing her annual Christmas message.
In
the speech, the British monarch reflected on the royal family's busy
year, recognizing the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, as well as the births of her two
great-grandchildren, Prince Louis and Lena Tindall, and Prince Charles's
70th birthday.
She also called out the 100th
anniversary of the end of World War I, remembering her father's time in
the military and honoring all of those who serve. But perhaps most
impactful was the Queen's plea for kindness and respect in our modern
society.
"Even with the most deeply held
differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow
human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding,"
she said.
"Even the power of faith which
frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice can fall victim
to tribalism. 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."
For
many, the service of 'Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College
Cambridge is when Christmas begins. Listened to by millions of people
around the world it starts with a chorister singing the first verse of
"Once in Royal David’s City."
The priest who
introduced this service to King's College Chapel exactly 100 years ago
was Eric Milner White. He had served as a military chaplain in the First
World War. Just six weeks after the Armistice he wanted a new kind of
service which, with its message of peace and goodwill spoke to the needs
of the times.
2018 has been a year of
centenaries. The Royal Air Force celebrated its hundredth anniversary
with a memorable fly-past demonstrating a thrilling unity of purpose and
execution. We owe them and all our armed services our deepest
gratitude.
My father served in the Royal Navy
during the First World War he was a midshipman in HMS Collingwood at the
Battle of Jutland in 1916. The British fleet lost 14 ships and 6,000
men in that engagement. My father wrote in a letter how and why we were
not hit beats me.
Like others he lost friends
in the war. At Christmas we become keenly aware of loved ones who have
died whatever the circumstances. But of course we would not grieve if we
did not love. Closer to home, it has been a busy year for my family.
With
two weddings and two babies and another child expected soon it helps to
keep a grandmother well occupied. We have had other celebrations too,
including the 70th birthday of the Prince of Wales.
Some
cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I'd like to think so.
Perhaps, part of that wisdom is to recognize 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. 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.
In
April the Commonwealth Heads of Government met in London. My father
welcomed just eight countries to the first such meetings in 1948. Now,
the Commonwealth includes 53 countries with 2.4 billion people, a third
of the world's population. Its strength lies in the bonds of affection
it promotes and a common desire to live in a better, more peaceful
world.
Even with the most deeply held
differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow
human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding.
Indeed the Commonwealth Games held this year on Australia's Gold Coast
are known universally as the friendly games because of their emphasis on
good will and mutual respect.
The Christmas
story retains its appeal since it doesn't provide theoretical
explanations for the puzzles of life. Instead, it's about the birth of a
child, and the hope that birth 2,000 years ago, brought to the world.
Only
a few people acknowledged Jesus when he was born; now billions follow
him. I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is
never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone. It's needed as much as
ever.
A very happy Christmasto you all.
Link https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-46680354/the-queen-s-christmas-message-2018-in-full
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