Queen Elizabeth IIRoyal Christmas

The poignant final Christmas speech of a beloved king

King George VI never sought the throne but was called upon to reign at a time of huge political turmoil that would result in war. His conduct in that difficult time earned him widespread respect. By the time he spoke on Christmas Day 1951, he was a hugely popular monarch. What would prove to be last Christmas Speech, in 1951, explored both his own personal health struggles and a change for his…
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FeaturesRoyal Christmas

The king who was overwhelmed by emotion in a Christmas speech marking an historic year

While the Royal Christmas Broadcast is a Christmas Day staple for many people now that it approaches its hundredth anniversary, at one point it was still very new. The first Monarch to speak was King George V, starting in 1932. King George V had had to be convinced to give that first broadcast. However, by 1935 he had become somewhat comfortable with the technologically advanced holiday…
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Queen Elizabeth IIRoyal Christmas

A Christmas speech during an annus horribilis

Some royal Christmas Broadcasts are joyful events while others deal with more difficult times. While 1992 may be one of the Royal Family’s worst years ever, Queen Elizabeth II still found positivity for her speech.  The year 1992 was known as The Queen’s annus horribilis.  Three of her children ended their marriages: the Prince and Princess of Wales separated, the Duke and Duchess of…
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FeaturesRoyal Christmas

A Christmas speech of pride and joy

In this season of Advent, Royal Central is looking at different royal Christmas Broadcasts from the last century in the lead up to Christmas. While many broadcasts have had to acknowledge difficult events, some were focused on the positive. Queen Elizabeth II’s 2012 Christmas Day address was one of the most joyful in her reign. Not only did London host the 2012 Olympic Games in July, Queen…
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