Metro
The Queen will use her Christmas Day speech to spread a message of ‘peace on earth and goodwill to all’, which she believes is needed ‘as much as ever’.
In the tradition started by her grandfather King George V in 1932, Queen Elizabeth II will also encourage those with strongly opposing views to bridge the gap between one another by being civil and acting with common decency. The 92-year-old monarch is set to say: ‘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.’
Her words are likely to resonate with many – with parliament still deeply divided over Theresa May’s Brexit deal and military conflicts raging in different parts of the world. MPs from all sides of the political spectrum have feuded bitterly for weeks as the date for Britain leaving the EU, March 29 2019, draws closer.
In the broadcast, recorded in Buckingham Palace’s white drawing room, the monarch will also highlight the message of Jesus, often cited at Christmas. She is will say: ‘I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date.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.’ As head of state, the Queen remains publicly neutral when it comes to political matters and does not explicitly express her opinions on current affairs.
However, some may interpret her words as a veiled reference to the UK’s current mood regarding Brexit. The broadcast was recorded on December 12, before the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn’s angry clash in the Commons which saw the Labour leader accused of calling Mrs May a ‘stupid woman’, something he denied doing.
The address traditionally has a strong religious framework, mirroring the Monarch’s faith, and reflects on current issues as well as drawing on her own experiences over the past year. But it will also include 2018 highlights such as England reaching the football World Cup semi-finals, and the royal weddings of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. It is reported that the Queen will also highlight the importance of having loved ones around her.