The poised and poignant final Christmas speech of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II gave nearly seventy Royal Christmas Broadcasts throughout her reign, with 1969 being the only year she did not give a Christmas speech. In 2021 she delivered what would be her last address oand she touched on several major events in the Royal Family. 

With Prince Philip’s passing in April 2021, it was expected that she would remark on his life in her speech. While it was undoubtedly an immeasurable loss, she still remained positive about the holidays for the family, saying ”And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.”

Her Majesty also reflected upon her achievements as a monarch, with her Platinum Jubilee year beginning soon after this speech. Although she could have focused on her reign and time as monarch, she highlighted her hopes for community and progress as themes of her Jubilee celebrations, noting ”February, just six weeks from now, will see the start of my Platinum Jubilee year, which I hope will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last seventy years – social, scientific and cultural – and also to look ahead with confidence. 

While she did not know that it would be her last Royal Christmas Broadcast, Queen Elizabeth remained poised and dedicated throughout.