Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II announced the “kindness of strangers” in her annual Christmas address, noting that it was an especially difficult year for Britain and the rest of the world.
“Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for everyone, regardless of sex, race or origin, reminding us that each of us is special and equal in the eyes of God,” she said, referring to the response of British to the coronavirus pandemic that killed more than 70,000 people in the UK.
But those who later watched Britain’s Channel 4 may have wondered about the care and respect shown by program director Ian Katz for the 94-year-old monarch, CNN reported.
For its annual “alternative Christmas message”, Channel 4 aired a speech by a “profound false” and not very convincing Queen Elizabeth, who danced to the audience and complained about the departure of her grandson, Prince Harry of Great Britain to Canada.
“There are few things more painful than saying that you prefer the company of Canadians,” said the false queen.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, first moved to Canada and then to Los Angeles earlier this year.
“This year’s Alternative Christmas Speech – apparently delivered by one of the country’s best known and most trusted figures – is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes,” said Katz in a statement.
In the queen’s royal speech, the beloved monarch focused on the continuing impact of the pandemic in the UK and the Commonwealth.
“Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of their loved ones, and others lost from friends and family distanced from safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a handshake, ”she said. “If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
– Douglas Perry