The Queen ascended to the throne 1952, meaning she is the longest-reigning British monarch in history. Through the years, she has governed during periods of civil unrest, extensive change and national celebration. The first Christmas message was broadcast in 1932 and 87 years on it continues to this day. But what has the Queen’s Christmas Message entailed over the years?

Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas message to the Commonwealth of Nations from her study at Sandringham House at 3.07pm on December 25, 1952, 11 months after her father’s death.

In 1957, the broadcast became televised meaning each year, except for in 1969, the Queen has recorded messages to the public at Christmas.

The themes and directions of the speech are decided by the Queen and she mainly writes the speech herself, with some assistance from Prince Philip and her staff.

In recent years the subject matter of her speech has become more personal and religious in tone.

But what topics has the Queen discussed in her Christmas speeches over the years?

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The Queen’s inaugural Christmas speech in 1952

In 1952, the Queen delivered her very first Christmas message from the same desk and chair used by her father and grandfather before her.

She spoke about continuing the tradition of festive broadcasts passed down to her by King George V and King George VI, adding she would strive to carry on their work to unite the people of the Empire.

The Queen also referred to the British Commonwealth and Empire as an “immense union of nations” that was like a family and which “can be a great power for good – a force which I believe can be of immeasurable benefit to all humanity”.

The 1953 broadcast

This was the first of the Queen’s Christmas messages to have been broadcast from abroad.

In 1953, the Queen delivered her speech from Auckland, New Zealand, where she was undertaking a six-month royal tour of the Commonwealth.

In her speech she discussed the trip and spoke of all she hoped to accomplish from the tour.

Pre-recorded broadcast in 1959

The Queen pre-recorded her Christmas message for the first time in 1959.

The festive message was filmed in Buckingham Palace a week prior to broadcast and lasted roughly one minute.

The speech included the Queen’s warm wishes to the people and gratitude to those sent ot her.

As the message had been pre-recorded, it was also broadcast in Australia and New Zealand on Christmas Day for the first time – although because of the time difference, it was actually shared on Boxing Day in those areas.

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The theme of family

The theme of family has been an important message for the Queen over the years.

In 1960, the Queen spoke about the eventful year which included giving birth to Prince Andrew, and Princess Margaret’s marraiage to Anthony Armstrong-Jones.

In 1965, the subject matter of family was also used, with the Queen making particular emphasis on the topic of the individual unit becoming the family unity of man.

In 1971, the theme of family was used again with the televised version of the speech showing Prince Andrew and Prince Edward looking at a family photograph album.

Two years later, the Queen’s Christmas message was interspersed with images of Princess Anne’s marriage to Captain Mark Philips.

In 2002, the Queen touched on family again when she reflected on the loss of her mother and sister earlier that year.

The year of Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011 was another instance in which the Queen spoke about family. 

New viewership in 1980

In 1980 with the arrival of a new decade, a new viewership record was broken.

In total, more than 28 million people tuned in for the Christmas broadcast from the Queen in 1980.

Her speech honoured her mother’s 80th birthday and addressed the theme of service in its many forms.

Annus horribilis in 1992

The Queen’s Christmas message in 1992 was particularly memorable as it came one month after a fire destroyed part of Windsor Castle.

That year was also the year when three out of her four children were separated.

The Queen addressed the importance of personal fortitude.

She said: : “Like many other families, we have lived through some difficult days this year. 

“The prayers, understanding, and sympathy given to us by so many of you, in good times and bad, have lent us great support and encouragement. 

“It has touched me deeply that much of this has come from those of you who have troubles of your own.” 

The Queen’s speech the year Princess Diana died

In August 1997, Princess Diana died in a tragic car accident.

The Queen was at the time accused of mishandling the news and her speech in 1997 was emotional and appeared to be more emotional.

She said: “We all felt the shock and sorrow of Diana’s death. 

“Thousands upon thousands of you expressed your grief most poignantly in the wonderful flowers and messages left in tribute to her.”

That year was also the celebration of the Queen’s golden wedding anniversary.

The 2012 3D broadcast

The 2012 Christmas message celebrated technology in a new way.

For the first time, the speech was broadcast in 3D.

The subject matter was about inspiration and involved the Queen praising the achievements of the British Olympian and Paralympian athletes.

She additionally spoke of the inspiration provided by ordinary people who do small but great things.

The Queen said: “On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.”

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