Queen Elizabeth’s 2020 Christmas speech.Photo: Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty
Queen Elizabeth’sChristmas addressis a treasured tradition — but there was something different about the broadcast this year.
The monarch, 94, gave her annual speech from Windsor Castle, where she spent Christmas for the first time since 1987 withPrince Philipdue to the coronavirus pandemic preventing them from their usual visit to Sandringham to celebrate the holiday. However, it’s not unusual for Queen to record her speech from Windsor.
What was odd was that the Queen usually has several photos of royal family members displayed on her desk during her speech. This year, she had just one picture: a shot of her husband,Prince Philip, in a simple oval frame.
WhilePrince William,Kate Middleton,Prince Charlesand others were not commemorated with pictures this year, footage of their work throughout 2020 was played during the broadcast. In addition, the speech featured several snaps from Kate’s “Hold Still” photo project, which asked people across the U.K. to submit scenes from the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2018, there were six photographs set up to pay tribute to major events of the year — one that the Queen herself called a “busy” one. The snaps celebrated two royal weddings — those ofPrince HarryandMeghan Markleas well asPrincess Eugenieand Jack Brooksbank — as well asPrince Louis' Christmas card debut with his family.
Queen Elizabeth’s 2020 address focused on the difficulties of the past several months amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity — despite social distancing.”
Unlike in years past, the Queen didn’t mention any personal details of the past year, such as Prince Harry and Meghan’sexit from royal lifeor thewedding of her granddaughter Princess Beatrice. Instead, she made a call for hope and unity in the face of extreme difficulty.
Kate Middleton, Prince William and Queen Elizabeth on Dec. 8.Getty
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In conclusion, she said, “The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead. It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
source: people.com
