“While it is a time of great joy and happiness for many, Christmas can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones,” the Queen said in a televised address on Christmas Day: “This year in particular, I I understand why.”
The Prince Consort died in April at the age of 99. In the months that followed, she was greatly comforted by the warmth and affection of many accolades for the life and work of “my dear Philips”, the Queen said during her address at Windsor Castle’s festively decorated White Drawing Room. On a table next to him was a picture showing the two of them at their diamond wedding in 2007. The bright red dress the Queen wore to her Christmas address was the same brooch she had at the time – she was already wearing it on her honeymoon in 1947.
His sense of duty, his intellectual curiosity and ability to have fun in any situation were all indomitable, the queen said of her husband. The brilliance of this “naughty and willing” spark “was as bright to the end as I had seen for the first time”.
Philip wants his family to enjoy Christmas, the monarch said. But due to the pandemic, this year also the celebrations cannot be held like normal days. Little things and rituals like decorating the Christmas tree are more important.
The Queen, who herself has had to deal with health problems over the past few months, has drastically cut her Christmas plans in view of the huge increase in infections in Great Britain. That, though the government had decided against mandatory restrictions for the festive season.
For the year ahead, though, she’s optimistic: In six weeks, she wants to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. “I hope that people everywhere will have the opportunity to enjoy the sense of community (…),” said the emperor.
Above all, the Queen was proud that Philip had long been committed to environmental protection. A tradition that is continued by his son Prince Charles (73) and grandson Prince William (39). He also praised the roles of his fellow Duchess Camilla (74) and Duchess Kate (39).
On the other hand, Prince Harry (37) and Duchess Meghan (40), who have deserted the royal family, were not mentioned. After all: The Queen indirectly pointed to the couple’s daughter, Lillibet, who was born in June, when she foresaw the birth of several royal children in the coming year.
Also excluded from the speech was Prince Andrew (61), who has withdrawn from the public at large due to his involvement in the abuse scandal involving the deceased American multi-millionaire Jeffrey Epstein. A civil case is currently pending against him in the United States, in which an Epstein victim has accused him of molesting him as a minor. Andrew denies this.
According to the palace, the Queen celebrated Christmas Day in a small circle with her sons Charles and Edward (57) and her cousin Prince Richard and their associates. Prince William and Duchess Kate spend the festive season with their parents at their country estate in Norfolk, England. Kate made a name for herself on Christmas Eve as she sat at the piano herself at a Christmas concert.
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