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Queen notes challenges of a hard year

Isobel Frodsham and Christoph MeyerAAP
Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in Windsor Castle.
Camera IconQueen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II has praised people for "rising magnificently to the challenges of the year" during her annual Christmas Day message.

In her address to the nation, aired on British broadcasters on Friday, she described how people of all faiths were unable to celebrate festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid and Vaisakhi, in their usual way due to the pandemic.

But she added how she had been "moved" by people's spirits in the face of adversity.

"Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer," she said.

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"Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.

"In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played."

"Today, our frontline services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude," she added.

The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, have also changed their plans for this year by spending Christmas Day at Windsor Castle to the west of London without other members of their family, a palace spokesperson told dpa on Friday.

This year is the first in decades that the couple has not travelled to the Sandringham estate in eastern England to celebrate with the royal family.

Usually, hundreds of fans gather to greet members of the royal family as they go to church at Christmas, but due to the pandemic, the ritual has been cancelled this year.

No visits are planned this year, Buckingham Palace's spokesperson said. Instead of her traditional church attendance, the Queen plans to attend a private service in a chapel on the castle grounds.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the duchess of Cornwall, are due to celebrate in Gloucestershire. Prince William, duke of Cambridge, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, are spending Christmas in Amner Hall, a country house 3 kilometres away from Sandringham.

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