IN IT TOGETHER - ‘WE'RE WISHING FOR A BETTER 2021'

AFTER A CHALLENGING 2020 FOR US ALL, THE QUEEN AND THE ROYAL FAMILY EXPRESSED THEIR HOPES FOR A MORE POSITIVE NEW YEAR

- KAT ROMERO 

With the annual Sandringham get-together cancelled due to the pandemic, the Queen’s Christmas speech was the one royal tradition we could all depend on.

Offering words of comfort after a challenging 2020, the Queen empathised with those who “just wanted a hug” for Christmas. “You are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers,” she said.

The monarch paid tribute to the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic in a montage of images and videos. Captain Sir Tom Moore – whose NHS fundraising efforts saw him knighted – as well as emergency services, charity workers and those fighting on the NHS frontline were all recognised.

During her address, the 94-year-old, who had a framed photo of Prince Philip – her husband of 73 years – on her desk, spoke of people coming together to unite and help each other, despite such difficult circumstances.

She said, “Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.”