Elizabeth made her first Christmas Day broadcast on the radio in 1952, the year she ascended to the throne.This year, the Queen spoke about the centenary of the Royal Air Force and the end of the First World War; family weddings, births and birthdays; and the meeting of the Commonwealth heads of government.
Earlier on Tuesday, she and other senior royals attended a Christmas church service in the grounds of her grand country house in Sandringham, at nearby St. Mary Magdalene Church.
After the 45-minute service the royal family headed back to Sandringham House ahead of a traditional Christmas lunch.
After the 45-minute service the royal family headed back to Sandringham House ahead of a traditional Christmas lunch.
Britain’s royals usually exchange small gifts on Christmas Eve, a practice popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The queen typically frowns on extravagant gifts and many of the presents are novelty items.
