THE Queen will refer to her familys bumpy 2019 and the nations Brexit divisions in her Christmas Day TV message.
The year has been labelled her second annus horribilis the Latin phrase she used to describe 1992 after the marriages of three of her children collapsed.
The Queen will refer to her familys ‘bumpy’ 2019 and the nations Brexit divisions in her Christmas Day TV message
Prince Andrew, 59, had to step down from royal duties after claims that he slept with Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged teen sex slave
This time, son Prince Andrew, 59 missing from family photos seen during the broadcast has been mired in the scandal of his friendship with US paedo Jeffrey Epstein and claims that he slept with a teen sex slave.
Husband Prince Philip, who was admitted to hospital last week after the speech was recorded, was involved in a car accident at the start of the year.
And the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken about their struggles living in the public eye.
Brexit has divided the country and Parliament, leading to huge uncertainty.
But speaking about the life of Jesus and the importance of reconciliation in tomorrows broadcast to the nation and the Commonwealth, the Queen will say how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding.
The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.
QUEEN REFLECTS
Her Majestys comment is thought to be her first public reference to the personal events her family has experienced this year.
As well as Andrew being missing, there is no picture of Harry and Meghan on show during the Windsor Castle recording after they took themselves off to Canada.
Last year she had two an official wedding portrait of the Sussexes and a family pic of them celebrating Charless 70th birthday.
In the year of Archies birth, she might have been expected to include one of him with Harry and Meghan. The rest of the senior royals, including William, Kate and children, are included.
There is also a black and white image of the Queens father King George VI sending a message of hope and reassurance to the British people in wartime 1944.
The Queen will highlight the 75th anniversary of World War Twos D-Day landings, and how former sworn enemies joined together in friendly commemorations to mark the milestone in 2019.
Meanwhile, Prince Philip, 98, has spent a fourth night in hospital for treatment relating to a pre-existing condition.
It was not known when he would be discharged but it was looking increasingly unlikely he would join the Queen, 93, for the traditional family gathering at her Sandringham estate.
Husband Prince Philip, who was admitted to hospital last week after the speech was recorded, was involved in a car accident at the start of the year
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken about their struggles living in the public eye
As well as Andrew being missing, there is no picture of Harry and Meghan on show during the Windsor Castle recording
Prince Philip, 98, has spent a fourth night in hospital for treatment relating to a ‘pre-existing condition’
