Queen’s Christmas message praises actions of the young

THE Queen championed young climate change protesters in her Christmas broadcast to the nation and Commonwealth yesterday.

The 93-year-old monarch voiced her admiration for the youngsters who, inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, have staged strikes in Britain and around the globe.

In her traditional broadcast, which included a celebration of the birth of her eighth great grandchild, Harry and Meghan’s son Archie, the Monarch said she had been struck by the sense of purpose younger generations have shown on combatting climate change.

The Queen also acknowledged the “bumpy” path her family and the country has faced during the past 12 months.

Speaking about how Jesus showed the world that “small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences”, she added: “Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps.

“The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.”

After the bitter division over Brexit, the Queen said the Christmas message of peace and goodwill was still relevant today.

AS WE emerge from another Christmas, put the wrapping paper in the recycling bin, hunt down the gift receipts and take another Gaviscon after yesterday’s feastings, it feels like a good moment to reflect on the real meaning of this festive period.

Once again, the Queen provided the perfect lead in her address to the nation. Her theme was one of reconciliation and a reminder that the Christian message is one of peace and goodwill to everyone.

And how this nation needs that dose of reconciliation and goodwill. As Her Majesty pointed out, with her typical understatement, it’s been a bumpy year. The struggle to resolve Brexit, and the deep divisions it caused, have taken their toll, leaving wounds that still prove painful.

While she did not address those issues directly, the underlying message was clear.

After more than three years of intense political battles between Remainers and Brexiteers, the near destruction of a credible party of opposition, and the most momentous election since 1979, this country is desperately in need of healing.

Her Majesty cited the 50th anniversary of the momentous Apollo 11 moon landing as an example of how the greatest leaps in human progress can start with small steps.

She also highlighted the tremendous example of Second World War veterans from both sides who came together on the 75th anniversary of D-Day to put aside old enmities and extend the hand of friendship.

We are a few days away from the start of a new decade. Let us carry that Christmas message of peace and goodwill into it.