During her first Christmas television broadcast following the loss of her 73-year-old husband, Queen Elizabeth paid tribute to the late Prince Philip.

Although Christmas is “a time of great happiness and good cheer for many,” it “can be hard for those who have lost loved ones.” “This year, especially, I understand why,” the 95-year-old monarch added.

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The Queen’s video greeting on Saturday began with a clip from her address at the Golden Wedding Anniversary with the Duke of Edinburgh in 1997. On a table in front of the Queen, a portrait of the couple celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2007 was exhibited. The monarch wore the same sapphire chrysanthemum brooch she wore on her honeymoon with Philip in 1947, as a further respect to her spouse.

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Since Prince Philip’s death, the Queen has found tremendous consolation in the warmth and affection expressed in the many tributes to his life and work from throughout the world, she added.

“His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation — were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him,” the Queen added. 

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The Queen said that as much as the royal family misses Prince Philip, they know he would want them to have a celebration, and that while Covid has strained Christmas celebrations once again this year, there are still many festive traditions to be treasured, such as singing carols, decorating the tree, and exchanging gifts.

She went on to say that passing along these traditions and beliefs from generation to generation is a “source of great happiness.”

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Because of Covid, the Queen has had to cancel some of her Christmas plans this year. She did not go to Sandringham for Christmas, as is customary, but instead chose to celebrate at Windsor Castle.

A pre-Christmas supper, which the king usually organises for extended relatives, has also been cancelled by the palace.