Britain’s Queen Elizabeth paid tribute to the late Prince Philip during her first Christmas television broadcast since the death of her 73-year-old husband.
The 95-year-old monarch said that while Christmas is “a time of great happiness and joy for many, it can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones.”
“This year, especially, I understand why,” added the Queen.
The video message broadcast on Saturday (25) began with an excerpt from the Queen’s 1997 speech for her wedding anniversary to the Duke of Edinburgh.
A photograph of the couple marking their diamond wedding anniversary in 2007 was displayed on a table in front of the queen. In an additional nod to her husband, the monarch wore the same sapphire chrysanthemum brooch with which she was photographed during her honeymoon with Philip in 1947.
The Queen said that since the death of Prince Philip, she has gained great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to her life and work from all over the world.
“His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and ability to make fun of any situation – were all irrepressible. That mischievous and inquisitive glow was as bright at the end as when I first saw it,” added the Queen.
The Queen said that as much as the royal family misses Prince Philip, they know he would like them to have a celebration, adding that while Covid-19 has once again put pressure on Christmas celebrations this year, there are still plenty of festive traditions that can be practiced such as singing Christmas carols, decorating the tree, exchanging gifts.
She added that the transmission of these traditions and values from generation to generation is a “source of great happiness”.
The Queen canceled some of her plans for Christmas this year because of Covid. She did not travel to Sandringham for Christmas, as is tradition, and was instead celebrating at Windsor Castle.
The palace also canceled a pre-Christmas lunch that the monarch usually offers for the whole family.
Surprise Presentation
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge stunned British television audiences with a piano performance during a special Christmas Mass that was shown on Christmas Eve.
Kate Middleton began playing the piano as part of a special community Christmas event she hosted at Westminster Abbey in central London earlier this month.
A very special performance of ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’ with @IamTomWalker for #TogetherAtChristmas
Watch the full performance on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/twi2NplxNv pic.twitter.com/4HwGUMvPKe
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 24, 2021
The night of songs was spearheaded by the Duchess, who wanted to place “a celebration of life in our communities and illustrate how acts of kindness, empathy and love can nourish and reconnect us.”
In a recorded message introducing the event, Kate said she would like to thank those who did everything to support their communities during the pandemic, celebrate the acts of kindness that were witnessed across the country, and recognize others who may have fought for it in our lives. last two years.
She reflected on the end of “another extraordinary year” and the “until now unimaginable challenges” of the past 18 months.
Participants at the December 8 event were described as “the unsung heroes” drawn from community networks, charitable organizations and sponsorships of Her Majesty the Queen, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
A recording of the event, “Royal Carols: Together At Christmas” was shown on the UK’s ITV network on Christmas Eve, and included previously unreleased footage of the Duchess playing the piano.
Viewers knew the show would feature multiple celebrity appearances, with musical performances by singers Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis, and readings by British paralympic Kim Daybell and “Harry Potter” star Tom Felton, but Kate’s performance was a surprise.
The Duchess was shown at Chapter House inside Westminster Abbey alongside Tom Walker performing “For Those Who Can’t Be Here”.
Members of the Windsor clan attended the festivities to offer their support for the Duchess’s grand night, including Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the Countess of Wessex and Zara and Mike Tindall.
Also making a rare public appearance were Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, along with their siblings, James and Pippa.
This content was originally created in English.
original version
Reference: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
