Islamist-backed constitution ratified OTHER CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCES THE ROYAL FAMILY

The official approval of Egypt’s disputed, Islamistbacked constitution Tuesday held out little hope of stabilizing the country after two years of turmoil, and Islamist President Mohammed Morsi may now face a more immediate crisis with the economy falling deeper into distress. In a clear sign of anxiety, some Egyptians are hoarding dollars for fear the currency is about to take a significant downward turn. In Britain, the royal family was attending Christmas Day church services at St. Mary Magdelene Church on Queen Elizabeth II’s sprawling Sandringham estate. However, Prince William spent the holiday with his pregnant wife, Kate, and his in-laws in the southern England village of Bucklebury, and Prince Harry was away serving with British troops in Afghanistan. Later Tuesday, the queen delivered her traditional, prerecorded Christmas message, which for the first time was broadcast in 3D.