The Queen on Christmas: “You are not alone”

Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2020. 1:45 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Like many, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II spent Christmas Day alone except for her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh – denied interaction with her family due to COVID-19.

But in her annual pre-recorded message to the Kingdom and Commonwealth she stated, according to the BBC, “Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness – some mourning the loss of those dear to them and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand…If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”

The monarch, 94, pointed out that while we have been physically kept apart, we have, in many ways, been closer as humanity through various acts of kindness and volunteerism, and that she personally has been proud and moved by the quiet, indomitable spirit of those who have risen magnificently to the challenges involved.

She gave particular thanks to young people, to frontline workers, and to “good Samaritans [who] have emerged across society, showing care and respect for all”.

“We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that even on the darkest nights there is hope in the new dawn,” she said.

She added: “Let the light of Christmas, the spirit of selflessness, love and above all, hope, guide us in the times ahead.”

In addition to not receiving family, the Queen worshipped privately rather than her normal church service on Christmas to avoid crowds. Well wishes also came from other family members, two of whom are said to have tested positive for COVID-19: Charles, Prince of Wales, and William, Duke of Cambridge.

The Queen’s address marks the end of a year that saw her go for seven months – March to October – without carrying out public engagements outside of a royal residence.

The Christmas broadcast was the Queen’s third televised address this year, which is unusual for the monarch. In April during the first wave of the pandemic she bracingly vowed success in the fight against the virus despite early separations, and on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day she hailed the “love” anchoring the national response even as streets emptied.

The message was pre-recorded earlier this month and aired on the UK’s main television channels, while Channel Four’s “alternative” response featured an actor posing as Her Majesty to highlight the importance of ‘fake news’ and combating misinformation.

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