Queen Elizabeth II told how many “want a simple hug”, avoiding the controversy over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Queen’s speeches last year.
Millions of Britons tuned in to watch the 94-year-old monarch praise key workers on their most lonely Christmas day, isolated in Windsor Castle.
Last year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly felt excluded after photos of Prince William’s family were placed on his desk, but not of them and Archie, according to the biography. Finding Freedom.
Elizabeth’s carefully chosen words this year came when she sat beside the only royal member she was allowed to see inside the house, her husband, Prince Philip.
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The queen told millions of Britons imprisoned in similar isolation across the country: “Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of their loved ones, and others lost and distant friends for safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a handshake.
“If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of what I think and prayers. The Bible tells how a star appeared in heaven, its light guiding pastors and sages to the scene of Jesus’ birth.
“May the light of Christmas – the spirit of self-denial, love and, above all, hope – guide us in the times to come. It is in this spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
A year ago, Meghan and Harry were in Canada for a peaceful Christmas, away from royalty, while planning a very different future.
Meghan’s lawyers recently told the Supreme Court in London that she allowed someone to provide the authors of the Finding Freedom biography with at least some help with the book.
In it, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand state: “Harry felt as if he and Meghan had long been marginalized by the institution and were not a fundamental part of their future. There was no need to look beyond the family photos displayed during the queen on Christmas day.
“In the Green Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, where the queen gave her speech, viewers saw photos of the Cambridges and their children, Charles and Camilla, Prince Philip, and a black and white image of the sovereign’s father, King George SAW .
“Visibly absent was a photo of Harry, Meghan and their new baby Archie.
“Palace sources insisted that the photos were chosen to represent the direct line of succession, but for Harry and Meghan, it was another sign that they needed to consider their own path.”
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In January, they announced their plans to leave real duties to start a new life in North America. However, this year the queen veered away from a potential new dispute by focusing only on the man closest to her.
Elizabeth and Philip are isolating themselves at Windsor Castle, surrounded by a small team. She won’t be able to see other royals under coronavirus regulations unless she steps out into the brutal December 4C cold in Windsor today.
Recently, cases shot up at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, more than doubling in a week.
As a result, the area was subjected to the strictest level of restrictions in England, “Tier 4”.
Elizabeth said in her speech: “Surprisingly, a year that necessarily kept people apart has brought us together in many ways.
“Across the Community, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
“In the UK and around the world, people are up to the challenges of the year, and I am very proud and moved by that quiet and indomitable spirit.
“To our young people in particular, I am grateful for the role they played.”