
Up there with eating so much that you have to lie down for a while, and watching Hugh Grant in Love, Actually, the Queen’s speech is one of the oldest and most loved royal Christmas traditions across the world. And, with just one day to go until royal family fans gather to watch her annual delivery, Kensington Palace has shared a photo and sneak peek snippet of what we can expect from Her Majesty this year.
The Christmas Day speech from the British monarch is a long-standing tradition, first started by Queen Elizabeth’s grandfather King George V in 1932. 86 years later, for 2018, the Queen will use her Christmas Day speech to send a message of “peace on earth and goodwill to all.” Her Majesty says it’s a theme that is “never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone; it’s needed as much as ever”.
Tomorrow, at 3pm GMT, the 92-year-old Queen will tell viewers from Buckingham Palace’s white drawing room: “Even with the most deeply-held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding.”
As well as the wider message, this year the Queen has also chosen to include a few smaller, sentimental hidden gems in her pre-recorded Christmas Day message, which gives the whole thing a lovely, personal touch.
Along with her elegant silk and lace cocktail dress, made by senior designer Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth II will wear a sentimental and special present given to her by husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen, who takes her choice of brooch very seriously, selected the stunning gold, ruby and diamond brooch, which Prince Philip gave to her in 1966. It's one of her festive favorites, which she has previously worn for past Christmas speeches and royal appearances.
As well as the sweet tribute to her husband, Queen Elizabeth has also chosen to feature a rare family photograph on her bureau. The adorable black and white picture, taken in 1949, shows Her Majesty and Prince Philip as a young couple, holding a sixth-month-old Prince Charles. Cute, right? It’s likely that the Queen chose this one as a subtle shout out to her son, the Prince of Wales, celebrating his 70th birthday just last month.
It's not Christmas until Queen Elizabeth II officially says so.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
Princess Eugenie Welcomes Second Baby
This name!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
By Emma Childs
-
These Brushes Will Completely Change How You Apply Makeup
The Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Foundation Brush is our desert island pick.
By Samantha Holender
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn