Queen Elizabeth II honors victims of terror in annual Christmas address

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

Queen Elizabeth II gave her traditional annual Christmas address Monday, touching on the fact that many were likely viewing her on their smartphones and computer devices rather than on their television screens as was done 60 years ago.

The video started with a children’s choir singing “God Save the Queen” before the queen appeared to share her message.

She spoke of the extremist attacks that have touched England throughout the past year, including the attacks in Manchester and London.

She hailed the “powerful identities” of many of whom she met and visited with after the attacks.

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2017

"We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity and love... there is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home." Watch Her Majesty The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2017. Merry Christmas to all. #ChristmasDay2017

Posted by The Royal Family on Monday, December 25, 2017

The queen, her husband Prince Philip and family members attended a church service Monday near Elizabeth's country estate in Sandringham. They mingled with locals who came to watch them arrive.

The royal family had a private lunch scheduled afterward. This is the first Christmas the family will be joined by Prince Harry’s fiancee, American actress Meghan Markle.

Elizabeth and Philip missed last year’s service because they had the flu.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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