Queen calls for respect in Christmas message
THE Queen will use her Christmas Day broadcast to speak about the need for respect and tolerance amid deeply held differences.
In her speech to be broadcast to the nation and Commonwealth tomorrow, she will also say she draws strength from faith, family and friendship and believes the Christmas message of peace and goodwill can be heeded by all.
Her comments – after seven months of bouts of tension inside the Royal Family – may be seen as a reference to the Duchess of Sussex, who is estranged from her father and the subject of stories suggesting she has not enjoyed an easy relationship with her new sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge.
But it is understood that the 92-year-old monarch is really referring to the toxic mood of the public and politicians amid disagreements over Britain leaving the European Union and wider disputes between different groups in Commonwealth countries.
She says: “Even with the most deeply-held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding.”
The Queen also reflects on the importance of the belief in God. “His message of peace on Earth and goodwill to all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone; it’s needed as much as ever.”
As head of state, Her Majesty is
‘Peace on Earth and goodwill to all is never out of date’
officially politically neutral and does not express her views publicly. But over the years she and advisers have let it be known when she feared that politicians were damaging the social fabric of the country.
This year’s speech comes amid claims there could be rioting in the streets if a second referendum were called over leaving the EU.
The Christmas broadcast, recorded in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, sees Her Majesty sitting serenely amid family mementos, royal heirlooms and treasured possessions.
The annual speech is written by Her Majesty and traditionally reflects her strong faith, while reflecting on current issues and drawing on her own experiences over the past year.
This year’s was recorded on December 12, before Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called Theresa May a “stupid woman” in a Commons clash over Brexit.
Yesterday the Queen attended church at Sandringham with Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
The Queen will be joined today at Sandringham House by Harry and Meghan, who is close to her mother Doria Ragland but refused to speak to her father, Thomas Markle, 74, since he pulled out of attending the royal wedding in May, citing a medical condition.