The Queen looked back on a year marked by personal as well as national grief in her message for Christmas - the first since the loss of her husband, but still tried to set a more encouraging tone for next year, writes the British newspaper The Guardian.
As the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic draws to a close, the 95-year-old queen said she could understand the feelings of all those who lost loved ones after she herself was mourned in April. However, she looks forward to becoming the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum anniversary - 70 years on the throne - in 2022.
"Although this is a time of great happiness and good mood for many, Christmas can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones. This year, I especially understand why, "the queen said in her annual televised address.
She wore the same sapphire chrysanthemum brooch as her honeymoon in 1947 and showed a framed photo of her and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on their 60th wedding anniversary.
Her Majesty thanked the nation for taking great comfort in the "warmth and love" shown in homage to the life of the Duke of Edinburgh. "His sense of duty, his intellectual curiosity and his ability to snatch the fun out of every situation were unstoppable. That naughty, curious glow was as bright in the end as when I first saw it, "she added.
She also spoke lovingly to Princes Charles and William and their families about their shared focus on climate change.
But he did not mention his middle son Prince Andrew or Harry and Megan on the screen or by name during the nine-minute broadcast; all three recently retired from royal duties.
The personal message is particularly relevant given the turmoil many families have experienced in another year affected by the coronavirus. The Queen acknowledged the influence of the Omicron version after canceling her regular trip to Sandringham to spend Christmas in Windsor.
She was joined by Charles and Camilla, Clarence House said.
The Queen, whose speech was recorded in the White Lounge at Windsor Castle, said: "While Covid-19 again means we can't celebrate the way we might have wanted to, we can still enjoy.
She added: "I am sure that someone somewhere today will celebrate that Christmas is a time for children. This is a compelling truth, but only half the story. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that Christmas can speak to the child in all of us. Worried adults sometimes don't see joy in simple things, unlike children. "
“And for me and my family, even if this year lacks a familiar laugh, there will be joy at Christmas, as we have the chance to remember and see again the miracle of the holiday season through the eyes of our young children; of which we are pleased to welcome four more this year. ”
The queen also hinted at the prospect of reuniting with loved ones in the new year.
She said: "February, in just six weeks, marks the beginning of my platinum jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of community and also look forward with confidence."
She added that next summer the nation will host the British Community Games. "The relay is currently touring the British Commonwealth, heading for Birmingham, a beacon of hope in its journey. "It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of the athletes and the gathering of like-minded people," she said.
The Queen concluded: "I wish you all a Merry Christmas!"
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