The Queen highlights young’s ‘sense of purpose’
Prince George and Princess Charlotte take centre stage mingling with public at Sandringham
THE QUEEN has been “struck” by the “sense of purpose” younger generations have shown in tackling issues such as climate change, she said in her Christmas Day message. Her comments follow a year which has seen young people inspired to become environmental campaigners by the example of schoolgirl activist Greta Thunberg.
During her annual address, the Queen acknowledged the “bumpy” path her family and the country has faced in the past 12 months, but mentioned positives such as the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first child.
She highlighted how often “small steps, not the giant leaps” bring about lasting change in the world – the theme of her Christmas Day broadcast.
She said the message was a reminder of what can be achieved when people abandon their differences and “come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation”. Her words are likely to be interpreted as a plea for the healing of divisions in the country as Britain leaves the EU.
The Queen said: “The challenges many people face today may be different to those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.”
IT WAS the moment that the youngest generation of the Royal Family took centre stage in a display of heartwarming compassion even at their tender years.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte yesterday joined the Queen at the Royals’ traditional Christmas Day church service on her Sandringham Estate for the first time.
George, aged six, and fouryear-old Charlotte walked the short distance from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church hand in hand with their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The Prince of Wales walked alongside them, while one-yearold Prince Louis stayed at the country house.
After the service, Princess Charlotte mingled with members of the public and spread some festive joy while clutching an inflatable pink flamingo toy.
Charlotte, who was accompanied by her mother, Kate, was pictured hugging Gemma Clark, who was in a wheelchair, as she was presented with gifts.
Ms Clark, 39, who had travelled from Long Sutton in Lincolnshire with her family, gave Charlotte the inflatable flamingo and said the young Princess seemed pleased with the gift.
“She said ‘Thank you’,” said Ms Clark, who revealed that the toy flamingo was called Felicity, before adding: “But Charlotte may call it whatever she likes now.” “It was a birthday present,” Ms Clark said. “My sister bought me it for my birthday and I truthfully didn’t like it, but we have adventures with her.”
She said that George and Charlotte were “brilliant” and that they both hugged her, adding: “It made my day. “I’ve never seen the Royal Family, ever. This is my first time at Sandringham and I would love to do it again.” Earlier, the 93-year-old Queen, wearing a red coat and hat, arrived at the church in a maroon Bentley with the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Duke of York, who has had a tumultuous end to the year after his disastrous appearance on the BBC’s Newsnight programme, walked side by side with Charles to a private service at 9am, but did not attend the 11am service.
Andrew remained at Sandringham House to spend time with the Duke of Edinburgh, a source said, which was the Duke of York’s personal decision.
His attempt to explain his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein backfired spectacularly. He was heavily criticised for showing a lack of empathy towards Epstein’s victims and remorse over his friendship with the disgraced financier, who was found dead in his prison cell in New York City in August.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were also absent this year, instead opting to spend sevenmonth-old Archie’s first Christmas with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, in Canada.
Others attending the main morning service included Princess Beatrice and her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the Princess Royal and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Back at Sandringham House, the Royal Family traditionally indulge in a meal of turkey, before watching television, including the Queen’s Christmas Speech.