Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas message to acknowledge ‘bumpy’ year

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Nation & World
By Joy Johnston, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Dec 24, 2019
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Queen Elizabeth II will admit to a bumpy year for both Britain and the royal family during her annual Christmas message.

In excerpts released by Buckingham Palace and reviewed by The Associated Press, Elizabeth says about the need for reconciliation and forgiveness, "The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference."

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Merry Christmas! This year The Queen's Speech was filmed in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. It will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 3pm GMT. This year also marked the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and in The Queen's Christmas Speech Her Majesty will reflect on the commemorations. "For the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them. . "By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost.” Watch The Queen's Christmas broadcast on TV, radio and online here tomorrow at 3pm GMT.

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It is believed that Elizabeth is referring not only to the country's struggle with Brexit, but the royal family's challenges. Prince Andrew has withdrawn from public duties over his controversial friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and a rift between Prince William and Prince Harry has played out in the public eye. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with 7-month-old Archie, will spend Christmas with Markle's mother in Los Angeles, instead of with the royal family, E News reported.

Elizabeth also is contending with the frail health of Prince Philip, 98, who has been hospitalized for the past several days.

According to The Royal Family's Instagram account, Queen Elizabeth's holiday message will mainly focus on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the commemorations the country held this year.

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Joy Johnston, Cox Media Group National Content Desk