Queen urges care for vulnerable
Queen makes Christmas speech
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Tuesday, 25, Dec 2007 06:45
The Queen has called on people in the UK and Commonwealth to protect the most vulnerable members of society in her Christmas message.
She also used her annual broadcast to remind people of the thousands of servicemen and women separated from their families by conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Click here to read the full text of the Queen's Christmas speech.
Today's speech was the 50th to be televised, and the broadcast began with the Queen watching herself deliver her 1957 message as a 31-year-old.
"One of the features of growing old is the heightened awareness of change," she said in the pre-recorded address.
"To remember what happened 50 years ago means that it is possible to appreciate what has changed in the meantime.
"It also makes you aware of what has remained constant."
She explained that the Christmas story drew attention to people "on the edge of society, people who feel cut off and disadvantaged, people who for one reason or another are not able to enjoy the full benefits of living in a civilised and law-abiding community".
"For these people the modern world can seem a distant and hostile place," the Queen continued.
"Each one of us can help by offering a little time, a talent or a possession, and taking a share in the responsibility for the wellbeing of those who feel excluded."
On the armed forces she added: "We have all been conscious of those who have given their lives or have been severely wounded while serving with the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"For their families Christmas will bring back sad memories and I pray that all of you who are missing those who are dear to you, will find strength and comfort in your families and friends."
For the first-time ever, viewers have this year been able to watch the message on YouTube, after an official royal family channel was created on the video-sharing website.
Earlier the Queen attended a Christmas service with members of the royal family on the Sandringham estate.
She and Prince Philip were joined at St Mary Magdalene Church by Prince Charles, Camilla and Princess Anne among others.
As well as braving the rain the Queen also spoke to the 100 or so people who had gathered outside the church to wish her a merry Christmas.
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was not at the church service, but is spending Christmas with her husband Prince Edward and their newborn son James at Sandringham with the Queen.
Princes William and Harry are not present however as they are away with their army regiments.