Queen’s Christmas message to focus on community strength

The family is an important institution for the monarch who is not only head of state but a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her position as head of the Commonwealth – often referred to as the family of nations – gives her another perspective on the role and strength of a family unit.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen herself and usually has a strong religious framework, reflecting current issues and drawing on her own experiences over the past year.

The speech is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

The last 12 months have seen some momentous events for the Queen – from her historic visit to the Republic of Ireland to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Duke of Edinburgh also celebrated his 90th birthday and the Queen presided over a major meeting of Commonwealth leaders in Perth, Australia.

During the message, which was recorded on December 9 and will be broadcast in full on Christmas Day, the Queen will say: “Of course, family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation. The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals.”

In the broadcast, the Queen wears a strawberry red dress by Angela Kelly with her diamond and platinum Flame Lily brooch, which was a 21st birthday present from the children of Southern Rhodesia. The message will be transmitted on both TV and radio at 3pm tomorrow..