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'Christmas can speak to the child within us all': Read the Queen's 2021 Christmas Day speech in full

By Jack Wright For Mailonline

Published: 10:07 EDT, 25 December 2021 | Updated: 10:08 EDT, 25 December 2021

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The Queen has delivered her most personal Christmas message ever today.

Speaking from Windsor Castle, the 95-year-old monarch paid a moving tribute to her ‘beloved Philip’, who died aged 99 in April.

Remarking that ‘one familiar laugh (was) missing’ this festive season – her first without him in 73 years – she described how the Duke of Edinburgh ’s ‘mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him’.

The head of state also reached out to the millions of people affected by the pandemic, and those who have lost loved ones this year.

Read her entire Christmas Day message below.

The Queen has delivered her most personal Christmas message ever today. Speaking from Windsor Castle, the 95-year-old monarch paid a moving tribute to her ‘beloved Philip’, who died aged 99 in April 

The Central Band of the Royal British Legion performing during the broadcast in the grounds of Windsor Castle

The Singology Community Choir performing for the broadcast inside St George's Hall in Windsor Castle

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Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones.

This year, especially, I understand why.

But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.

His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation were all irrepressible.

That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.

But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings – and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.

We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas.

While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions.

Be it the singing of carols – as long as the tune is well known – decorating the tree, giving and receiving presents, or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines.

We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times.

I see it in my own family and it is a source of great happiness.

Prince Philip was always mindful of this sense of passing the baton.

That’s why he created The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which offers young people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond the chance of exploration and adventure.

It remains an astonishing success, grounded in his faith in the future.

He was also an early champion of taking seriously our stewardship of the environment, and I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William – admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine – most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow.

Next summer, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games.

The baton is currently travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, heading towards Birmingham, a beacon of hope on its journey.

It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of athletes and the coming-together of like-minded nations.

And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness, a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last 70 years – social, scientific and cultural – and also to look ahead with confidence.

I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children.

It’s an engaging truth, but only half the story.

Perhaps it’s truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all.

Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not.

And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.

They teach us all a lesson – just as the Christmas story does – that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential.

It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing, simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus – a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith.

His birth marked a new beginning.

As the carol says: ‘The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Share or comment on this article: Read the Queen's 2021 Christmas Day speech in full 

God bless her majesty

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Queen's Christmas speech: 'It can be hard after losing a loved one' – video

The Queen paid tribute to Prince Philip and encouraged the nation to see the joy in simple things in her yearly Christmas Day address. The monarch acknowledged the impact of the Covid Omicron variant, having cancelled her regular festive trip to Sandringham. Instead she was spending Christmas at Windsor Castle, joined by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, in the Queen's first Christmas without the Duke of Edinburgh since his death. 

In the broadcast, recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, the Queen said she had drawn great comfort from the 'warmth and affection' shown in the tributes to the duke’s life

Sat 25 Dec 2021 16.11 GMT Last modified on Tue 4 Jan 2022 11.59 GMT

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Queen pays tribute to Prince Philip, celebrates family traditions in annual Christmas address

In a year marked by loss, queen says there is still joy to be found in christmas customs.

Queen’s Christmas message reflects on year of loss, uncertainty

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Queen Elizabeth offered a particularly personal message on Saturday for her annual Christmas Day address, her first since the death of her husband, Prince Philip.

The address led with footage of Elizabeth and Philip through the decades and a voiceover snippet from the Queen's speech on their golden wedding anniversary in 1997. In it, she called her husband, who died in April at the age of 99, her "strength and stay."

"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why," the Queen said in the pre-recorded Christmas address from the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

"But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world."

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A framed photograph of the couple arm in arm sat in the foreground. In both the photo and her Christmas address, she was wearing the same sapphire chrysanthemum brooch.

The Queen remembered Philip for "his sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation."

She said his legacy included the Duke of Edinburgh's Award — which aims to foster young people's personal growth — and his work related to the environment.

WATCH | Queen's Christmas message strikes a sombre tone: 

Christmas comes amid COVID surge

The televised Christmas Day message is a tradition in Britain, a moment when the monarch reflects on the holiday's meaning and the challenges facing the country.

Last year, the Queen used the opportunity to convey a message of hope during the depths of the coronavirus pandemic and to praise the "indomitable spirit" of scientists, emergency workers and others who had risen to the challenges created by COVID-19.

This year, the Queen again addressed the continuing pandemic, which has seen England endure multiple lockdowns. Coronavirus restrictions in place at the time of Philip's funeral meant that Elizabeth sat alone at the ceremony in St. George's Chapel.

Cases have surged again in the lead-up to Christmas, with the U.K. reporting a new daily high of 122,186 cases on Friday. It was its third day of cases topping 100,000.

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"While COVID again means we can't celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions" of the holiday, the Queen said, naming the singing of carols, decorating the tree, exchanging presents or watching a favourite film.

She said it is "no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines."

"We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times."

At 95, Elizabeth is the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch. Her health came under the spotlight this year after she missed a number of high-profile engagements, including the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, after being advised to rest and a brief hospital stay.

In her Christmas address, the Queen looked ahead to next year's Commonwealth Games and her Platinum Jubilee. The latter marks Elizabeth's seven decades on the throne.

She said she hoped it would be "an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness, a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last 70 years, social, scientific and cultural, and also to look ahead with confidence."

With files from The Associated Press

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Queen Elizabeth Delivers Her Most Personal Christmas Speech Ever as She Mourns Prince Philip

"That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him," the Queen said in her speech on Christmas Day

Lanford Beard has been with PEOPLE since 2015. In addition to serving as the Senior Digital TV Editor, she has edited for Lifestyle and News verticals across the site. Lanford previously worked at Entertainment Weekly, NBC News and Ralph Lauren, to name a few. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College and a Master's of Science degree from Columbia University's School of Journalism.

As Queen Elizabeth reaches the end of a momentous and bittersweet year, her annual Christmas Day message has struck a deeply personal tone.

The broadcast of the speech, which was filmed earlier this month in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, began with an excerpt of a speech the Queen gave to Prince Philip on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why," she said in her speech on Saturday, which comes eight months after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99 .

"But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world," she continued. "His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.

"But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas."

The Queen, who canceled the royal family's traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, admitted that the family "can't celebrate as they may have wished."

"We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas. While Covid again means we can't celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions," she said. "Be it the singing of carols (as long as the tune is well known); decorating the tree; giving and receiving presents; or watching a favorite film where we already know the ending, it's no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines.

"We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times. I see it in my own family and it is a source of great happiness."

The Queen made another personal nod in her speech when she mentioned the birth of four new great-grandchildren this year: Princess Eugenie 's son August, who was born in February; Zara Tindall's son Lucas, who was born in March; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 's daughter Lili, who was born in June; and Princess Beatrice 's daughter Sienna, who was born in September.

"And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year," she said.

"They teach us all a lesson - just as the Christmas story does - that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential."

The Queen continued to praise Philip's legacy, which includes The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and his environmental work. She said his causes will continue to be championed by Prince Charles and Prince William .

"I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William - admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine - most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow," the Queen said.

She also mentioned her upcoming Jubilee year, which marks her record-breaking 70 years on the throne.

"And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last seventy years - social, scientific and cultural - and also to look ahead with confidence," she said.

She concluded her speech, "I wish you all a very happy Christmas."

The Queen also paid tribute to her late husband by placing a single framed photo atop her desk from 2007 when the couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary at Broadlands Country House in Hampshire.

And on her Christmas red embossed wool shift dress by Angela Kelly, she had pinned the sapphire chrysanthemum brooch she wore on a honeymoon photo call at Broadlands in 1947 and then again 60 years later as they celebrated their landmark 60th anniversary at the same location.

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Behind the Queen, a Christmas tree "was decorated with over 100 white and gold stars which were specially made by the children and staff of The Royal School, Windsor," according to a release from the palace. "Following the recording of The Queen's Christmas message, the stars were returned to the school where they were hung on the pupils' Christmas tree until the end of term when they took them home as presents for their parents and carers."

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Read Queen Elizabeth’s Personal Christmas Day Message About How Much She Misses Prince Philip

“That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him”, the monarch said about her late husband.

Sitting in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle next to a 2007 photograph of her with her late husband, the Queen began by reflecting on how “Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why.”

Dedicating the opening of her speech as a tribute to Philip, who died in April aged 99, the Queen spoke of how his “sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation—were all irrepressible.” She added that Philip’s “mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him” and that “as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.”

The Queen also used her message to speak of family traditions and mentioned the fact that four of her great grandchildren were born this year . “They teach us all a lesson—just as the Christmas story does—that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential,” she said.

And the monarch also mentioned her Platinum Jubilee coming up in 2022, saying she hoped it “will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last seventy years - social, scientific and cultural - and also to look ahead with confidence.” The speech, recorded in advance and produced by ITN, was interspersed with images and footage of the royal family including an excerpt of a speech given by The Queen in 1997 on her Golden Wedding Anniversary and other images of her and Prince Philip together through their lives.

Read the Queen’s Christmas message in full below.

Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why. But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world. His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas. While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions. Be it the singing of carols (as long as the tune is well known); decorating the tree; giving and receiving presents; or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines. We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times. I see it in my own family and it is a source of great happiness. Prince Philip was always mindful of this sense of passing the baton. That’s why he created The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which offers young people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond the chance of exploration and adventure. It remains an astonishing success, grounded in his faith in the future. He was also an early champion of taking seriously our stewardship of the environment; and I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William - admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine - most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow. Next summer, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games. The baton is currently travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, heading towards Birmingham, a beacon of hope on its journey. It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of athletes and the coming-together of like-minded nations. And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last seventy years - social, scientific and cultural - and also to look ahead with confidence. I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children. It’s an engaging truth, but only half the story. Perhaps it’s truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all. Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not. And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year. They teach us all a lesson - just as the Christmas story does - that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential. It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus — a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith. His birth marked a new beginning. As the carol says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”. I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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The Queen moves nation with 'beloved Philip' tribute in Christmas Day speech

The duke of edinburgh passed away in april, aged 99.

The Queen paid a moving tribute to her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh , as she delivered her annual Christmas message to the nation.

"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why," she said. "But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world."

Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99 on 9 April, with a socially-distanced funeral taking place eight days after his death at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

READ:  Prince Charles and Camilla joined by the Wessexes and Gloucesters on Christmas Day - best photos

WATCH: The Queen pays tribute to Prince Philip in Christmas speech

Her Majesty spoke lovingly about her late husband, adding:  "His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. 

"We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas. While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions. Be it the singing of carols (as long as the tune is well known); decorating the tree; giving and receiving presents; or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s  no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines."

The Queen and Prince Philip's diamond wedding anniversary portrait

The Queen, 95, dressed in an embossed wool shift dress in Christmas red by Angela Kelly and the sapphire chrysanthemum brooch, spoke from the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. 

The then Princess Elizabeth wore the chrysanthemum brooch for a photocall on her honeymoon with the Duke of Edinburgh, at Broadlands, Hampshire in 1947. Her Majesty also wore the brooch in photographs taken at the same venue to mark their diamond wedding anniversary. 

A single photograph was placed next to the monarch as she recorded her speech, which showed an official portrait of the Queen and Prince Philip taken in 2007 at Broadlands, Hampshire to mark their diamond wedding anniversary.

MORE:  Kate Middleton joins Tom Walker for festive piano performance after finding 'great comfort' in music in lockdown

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Her Majesty also gave special mentions to the new additions to her family this year, as she has welcomed four great-grandchildren in the past 12 months. 

"And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year," she said.

Princess Eugenie gave birth to her first child August in February, while Mike and Zara Tindall welcomed their third child, Lucas, in March. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of daughter Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor in June, while Princess Beatrice had daughter, Sienna Mapelli Mozzi, in September.

MORE:  Harry and Meghan used this clever trick to protect Archie and Lili’s privacy

Prince Charles and Camilla attended church in Windsor on Christmas Day

The Queen has spent Christmas Day at Windsor Castle for the second year running due to the pandemic. She was joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on the day. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the festive period at their country abode, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk this year with the Middleton family. 

The monarch traditionally spends Christmas with members of her family at her Sandringham estate, which sees the royals out in force as they attend church on 25 December, but plans were cancelled amid rising COVID-19 cases.

The Queen usually remains at her Norfolk abode until the anniversary of her father King George VI's death on 6 February, which in 2022, will mark the 70th year of her reign.  

The Queen's speech in full:

"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why. But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.

"His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at  the end as when I first set eyes on him. But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. 

"We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas. While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions. Be it the singing of carols (as long as the tune is well known); decorating the tree; giving and receiving presents; or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s  no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines.

The Wessexes at the church service in Windsor

"We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times. I see it in my own family and it is  a source of great happiness. 

"Prince Philip was always mindful of this sense of passing the baton. That's why he created The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which offers young people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond the chance of exploration and  adventure. It remains an astonishing success, grounded in his faith in the future.   

"He was also an early champion of taking seriously our stewardship of the environment; and I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William - admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine - most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow. 

"Next summer, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games. The baton is currently travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, heading  towards Birmingham, a beacon of hope on its journey. It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of athletes and the coming-together of like-minded nations.  

"And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to  enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes  of the last seventy years - social, scientific and cultural - and also to look ahead  with confidence. 

"I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children. It's an engaging truth, but only half the story. Perhaps it's truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all. Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not.  

"And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.  

"They teach us all a lesson - just as the Christmas story does - that in the birth of  a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential. It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus — a man  whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith. His birth marked a new beginning. As the  carol says, 'The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight'. 

"I wish you all a very happy Christmas."

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Queen’s Christmas speech in full as Monarch pays tribute to Prince Philip

The Monarch paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh as she marked her first Christmas since his death

• 15:10, 25 DEC 2021

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The Queen shared her sympathies for "those who have lost loved ones" as she marked her first Christmas since Prince Philip's death.

In her annual address, the 95 year old Monarch paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh , who died at the age of 99 in April this year .

“His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible," she said . “That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.

“But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings – and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas."

For the second year running, the Queen cancelled the usual Sandringham celebrations and is instead staying at Windsor, where she and the Duke spent his final Christmas last year.

See the Queen's 2021 Christmas speech in full below...

“Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones.

“This year, especially, I understand why.

“But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world.

“His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible.

“That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.

“But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings – and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.

“We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas.

“While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions.

“Be it the singing of carols – as long as the tune is well known – decorating the tree, giving and receiving presents, or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines.

“We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times.

“I see it in my own family and it is a source of great happiness.

“Prince Philip was always mindful of this sense of passing the baton.

“That’s why he created The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which offers young people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond the chance of exploration and adventure.

“It remains an astonishing success, grounded in his faith in the future.

“He was also an early champion of taking seriously our stewardship of the environment, and I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William – admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine – most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow.

“Next summer, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games.

“The baton is currently travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, heading towards Birmingham, a beacon of hope on its journey.

“It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of athletes and the coming-together of like-minded nations.

“And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness, a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last 70 years – social, scientific and cultural – and also to look ahead with confidence.

“I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children.

“It’s an engaging truth, but only half the story.

“Perhaps it’s truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all.

“Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not.

“And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.

“They teach us all a lesson – just as the Christmas story does – that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential.

“It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing, simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus — a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith.

“His birth marked a new beginning.

“As the carol says: ‘The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’

“I wish you all a very happy Christmas.”

• Prince Philip
• Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen's Speech 2021: How to watch this Christmas

Her Majesty's Christmas Day message will air on a number of channels.

• Naomi Gordon
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On 25th December 2021, Queen Elizabeth will deliver her 69th Christmas address to the nation as the British Monarch.

It will be the latest in a long, long line of festive broadcasts, which began on December 25th, 1957.

The Queen’s Christmas Speech is still a tradition to this day and is typically broadcast on Christmas Day after lunch.

Last year, the monarch used her Christmas message to reassure anyone struggling without friends and family that they were “not alone” in the wake of the pandemic.

The 95-year-old praised acts of kindness, saying the pandemic "brought us closer" despite causing hardship, and praised NHS staff for all their hard work and boosting morale during dark times.

More like this

This year, the Queen's Speech 2021 is likely to highlight the importance of family after another difficult year due to COVID-19. The monarch is likely to touch on the loss of her husband, Prince Philip, as she spends her first Christmas without him after 73 years of marriage. The former Duke of Edinburgh died on 9th April 2021.

The Queen's 2020 message was recorded in mid-December with a pared-back film crew and adhered to government guidance.

It's expected that this year's message will also be recorded in the middle of December, and Her Majesty will likely offer some personal reflections on 2021.

• Read More: Best Christmas TV for 2021 – your guide to what to watch

What date is the Queen's Speech on TV?

The Queen's Speech airs on Christmas Day (25th December) , which this year falls on a Saturday.

The address will be available to watch on BBC One, ITV, Sky One, Sky News and to listen to on BBC Radio 4. You can also watch online through the Royal Family YouTube Channel and their Facebook page.

What time is the Queen’s Speech on TV?

The Queen’s speech typically airs at 3pm on Christmas Day (25th December)

The speech is traditionally pre-recorded at Buckingham Palace in mid-December and usually lasts around 10 minutes. It is then followed by the national anthem.

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What will the Queen talk about during this year’s speech?

The theme of this year’s speech is yet to be revealed, but it's likely that the Queen will reference the challenges the nation has faced as a result of the pandemic - although last year Her Majesty avoided using the words "pandemic", "coronavirus" or "COVID-19", despite them being a dominant theme of her speech.

The Queen will offer some personal reflections and views on the year gone by, and possibly highlight the importance of family, and acts of selfless kindness that have united us during the pandemic.

It's expected that Her Majesty will also pay tribute to her late husband, Prince Philip and reflect on their 73-year marriage.

In the Queen’s speech 2020, she paid tribute to the NHS key workers, thanking them for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic and offering a message of reassurance.

The Queen's Speech will be broadcast on Christmas Day. Check out what else is on with our TV Guide .

This year's Radio Times Christmas double issue is on sale now, featuring two weeks of TV, film and radio listings, reviews, features and interviews with the stars.

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The Royal Watcher

Queen’s christmas speech 2021.

The Queen’s annual Christmas Speech was broadcast at 3pm GMT on Christmas Day in the UK and the Commonwealth. In her 69th Christmas Broadcast, which was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle earlier this month, and produced by ITN, the Queen reflected on a difficult year, most notably the Death and Funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh . The Queen wore her Sapphire Chrysanthemum Brooch , worn on her Honeymoon and 60th Wedding Anniversary. Members of the Royal Family are spending Christmas with the Queen at Windsor Castle .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Watcher (@the_royal_watcher)

Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why. But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world. His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. We felt his presence as we, like millions around the world, readied ourselves for Christmas. While Covid again means we can’t celebrate quite as we may have wished, we can still enjoy the many happy traditions. Be it the singing of carols (as long as the tune is well known); decorating the tree; giving and receiving presents; or watching a favourite film where we already know the ending, it’s no surprise that families so often treasure their Christmas routines. We see our own children and their families embrace the roles, traditions and values that mean so much to us, as these are passed from one generation to the next, sometimes being updated for changing times. I see it in my own family and it is a source of great happiness. Prince Philip was always mindful of this sense of passing the baton.  That’s why he created The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which offers young people throughout the Commonwealth and beyond the chance of exploration and adventure. It remains an astonishing success, grounded in his faith in the future. He was also an early champion of taking seriously our stewardship of the environment; and I am proud beyond words that his pioneering work has been taken on and magnified by our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William – admirably supported by Camilla and Catherine – most recently at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow. Next summer, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games. The baton is currently travelling the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, heading towards Birmingham, a beacon of hope on its journey. It will be a chance to celebrate the achievements of athletes and the coming-together of like-minded nations. And February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last seventy years – social, scientific and cultural – and also to look ahead with confidence. I am sure someone somewhere today will remark that Christmas is a time for children. It’s an engaging truth, but only half the story. Perhaps it’s truer to say that Christmas can speak to the child within us all. Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not. And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year. They teach us all a lesson – just as the Christmas story does – that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential. It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of the life of Jesus — a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith. His birth marked a new beginning.  As the carol says, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”. I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

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2 thoughts on “ queen’s christmas speech 2021 ”.

I wish Merry Christmas to the entire Royal Family

Absolutely lovely! The Queen told us of her deep loss of her husband, but gave us a lesson on life at the same time. In spite of losses, Christmas is a time of rebirth and of acknowledgment of all the good things we have in our lives. She reminded us that there are many things to be grateful and thankful for. She has so much wisdom, we are lucky to still have her amongst us!

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