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| Written by Joanne Leyland | |||||||
| Sunday, 25 December 2005 | |||||||
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The Queen has just delivered her 53rd Christmas Day broadcast, although it was, of course, recorded some days ago so it could be delivered to nations around the world. Now I hear on the grapevine that BBC America isn't broadcasting HM's speech this year (perhaps one of our American readers could confirm this for us, though don't miss out on a Christmas drink to do so!). Therefore, we thought we'd offer you the chance to at least listen to the speech as we're of the opinion that everybody should be given the opportunity to hear what the monarch has to say. Press play on the control above (if visible) or click here to download the broadcast in MP3 format so you can listen to it on your brand new iPod. This is another completely personal opinion, which I'd welcome you to disagree (or maybe even agree?) with, but this year's royal broadcast was a terrible disappointment (to me at least) in so far as it seemed that, no sooner had it begun than the Queen was saying Merry Christmas and the choristers of the Chapel Royal were singing their finale! And I wasn't alone as even people around me exclaimed "is that it?!". The actual broadcast ran for just under seven minutes so maybe it wasn't so much the length than the content which caused our consternation. Let me stress that I fully appreciate that the Queen, as Head of State of many nations, should and must acknowledge the pain people have sufffered, especially in what has been a truly awful year for many families due to the natural and national disasters which have occurred. And she is, of course, Head of the Church, so it is only right that the serious, religious aspect of Christmas is recognised. However, the Palace must surely keep in mind that there are many people who are sat home alone and tune in to hear their monarch speak 'to them' on what can be an emotional and, for some, incredibly lonely time of year and therefore the negativity has to be balanced with a more positive message and images. In my opinion it's therefore a great shame that the royal advisers don't appreciate that many people do like to see behind-the-scenes footage of members of the Royal Family, especially the likes of William and Harry. Keep in mind, this broadcast must attract a younger generation if it is to keep its importance and significance, and perhaps even survive (after all, we have to wonder why BBC America has decided to drop the broadcast?). Anyway, enough of my own opinion. More than anything we'd really welcome your thoughts about the Christmas speech — or anything else happening on the Royal scene — so please do drop us a line when the Christmas meal is over and the bottles have been emptied! Please feel welcome to offer your opinions on this and any other royal story by visiting our Royal Forum or via our Comments section below.
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The Queen's compassion towards the victims of this past year's natural disasters in her speech was touching, and I was particularly moved as an American by her mention of New Orleans. In a time when 'Merry Christmas' is becoming almost an affront to some what a delight it was to have the Queen remind us all of the reason for the Season-the Birth Of Christ. 
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to one and all. 
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