Queen’s tribute to unsung heroes
THE Queen yesterday hailed Britain’s “unsung heroes” as an inspiration to us all in her Christmas message.
Her Majesty told how she draws strength from meeting “ordinary people doing extraordinary things” as she addressed the nation.
The speech also highlighted Britain’s success in the Rio Olympics and Paralympics, where athletes won 214 medals.
The Queen also told how she was moved when she opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William is a helicopter pilot.
The message was pre-recorded at Buckingham Palace before she caught a heavy cold which has disrupted her Christmas plans.
The Queen said: “To be inspirational you don’t have to save lives or win medals.
“I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things – volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours, unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.
“They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa. She once said, ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love’.”
The Queen wore a jade silk cloque dress by Angela Kelly and a pearl and diamond brooch, once worn by the Queen Mother. The message was filmed in the Palace’s Regency Room.
She was seated at a desk with a floral display and a photograph of her with Prince Charles, released earlier this month to mark the end of her 90th year.
She said: “To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the 600 charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall. Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.
“From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved, to championing music and dance, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.”