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Royal Christmas Message

December 25, 2011 by · Comments Off on Royal Christmas Message 

Royal Christmas MessageRoyal Christmas Message, Queen Elizabeth II has highlighted the importance of the family in her Christmas Day message.  The speech reflects on an eventful year in which her grandson Prince William got married and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, turned 90.

The message was recorded before Prince Philip was taken to hospital yesterday for treatment of a blocked artery. He was to remain for a “short period” in hospital in Cambridge, eastern England, near the Sandringham estate where the royal family traditionally gathers to celebrate Christmas, a statement from the royal family said.

Family is of central importance to the 85-year-old mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and commentators will not be surprised she chose the topic after the events of 2011.

Prince William’s wedding in April was watched by hundreds of millions across the world and was generally considered to have breathed new life into the monarchy.

In the Christmas message, the Queen also spoke about the “family” of the Commonwealth.

“Of course family does not necessarily mean blood relatives, but often a description of a community, organisation or nation,” she said.

“The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals.”

The British royals are now preparing for a year of extensive travel to Commonwealth member states as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.

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