PlayQueen expresses credit crunch fears
Published: Wednesday, 24 December 2008, 6:48AM
The Queen's Christmas speech will address the effect of both global terrorism and the credit crunch.
She will also pay tribute to those who have led unselfish lives in the service of others.
In an excerpt released a day early, she says Christmas will be "a sombre occasion" for many in 2008.
In her annual December 25 address the support the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh receive from their family is highlighted, and the Prince of Wales's 60th birthday, celebrated in November, is mentioned.
The broadcast will also feature previously unseen home movie footage of a young Princess Elizabeth playing with Charles, aged just one, at Clarence House in 1949.
The Queen delivers her address from Buckingham Palace's Music Room standing in front of a grand piano covered with family photographs and with a large Christmas tree in the background.
Her speech is one of the rare occasions when the Monarch does not turn to the Government for advice and is able to voice her own views.
It is written by the Queen and usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and often draws on her own experiences.
The message will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day.
The broadcast, produced by the BBC, will also be available on the Royal Channel on the YouTube website from the same time, and shown in Commonwealth countries.
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
