In her annual Christmas Broadcast to citizens of the UK and the Commonwealth, The Queen has said that she draws strength from “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.
She said that volunteers, carers, community workers and good neighbours are unsung heroes in society, whose quiet dedication makes them special.
The 90-year-old monarch also paid tribute to Olympians and Paralympians who competed in the Rio Olympics earlier this year.
This year’s broadcast was filmed in the Regency Room at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.
In the message, the Queen wore a jade silk dress by on of Her Majesty’s favourite designers, Angela Kelly, as well as a pearl and diamond brooch which belonged to The Queen Mother.
As she delivers her message, beside The Queen on her desk is a copy of the newly released photograph of herself and Prince Charles, released to celebrate the end of her 90th birthday year.
Queen’s Christmas Message in full:
“There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them. But the 67 medals at this year’s games in Rio and 147 in the Paralympics meant that the GB medalists’ reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.
“Throughout the Commonwealth, there were equally joyful celebrations. Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamacia and New Zealand won more medals by heads of population than any other countries.
“Many of this year’s winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations. Inspiration fed to their aspiration and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.
“A few months ago I had some inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot. It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew who are called out on average five times a day.
“But 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 Theresa, from this year St Teresa of Calcutta.
“They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Theresa, from this year St Teresa of Calcutta. She once said “not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
“This has been the experience of two remarkable organisations: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and The Prince’s Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year. These started as small initiatives, but have grown beyond any expectations and continue to transform young people’s lives.
“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, providing animal welfare, or protecting our fields and forests.
“Their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.
“When people face a challenge, they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength. In fact, the word ‘inspire’ literally means to breathe in. But even with the inspiration of others, it’s understandable that we sometimes think the world’s problems are so big that we can do little to help.
“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.
“At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some 2000 years ago. It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important. Jesus Christ lived obscurity for most of his life and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.
“And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching, and find in him their guiding light of their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them, and whatever themselves believe.
“The message of Christmas reminds us inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received. And that love begins small, but always grows.
“I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.”
Hail the descendants of Ingui! Hai lthe descendants of Woden! Hail the offspring of Scyld Sceafing … from humble origins come great things! Merry Christmas all! And a happy Yule, from the Goseck Circle to present!
To Her Majesty: I pray for your speedy recovery. May you have a better New Year; after some well-earned rest. Your Christmas broadcast meant much to many.
Well as a Christmas present I sent the Queen via Buckingham Palace, where she was not at time present due illness, a little essay of Biblical citations and theology and only to find out today, that it was not accepted by Buckingham; and, that I would have to pay quite a sum to have the present returned. Who is in charge at Buckingham Palace while the Queen is recuperating? I have never been asked to pay for the return of a gift to the Royals before.