Queen Elizabeth has spoken out to offer the world a powerful message on New Year’s Eve after a year that has been difficult for all of us, including her.
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again,” the 94 year-old monarch captioned a collage of 2020 photos. “Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.”
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The photos, which were posted to the official royal family’s account, included one showing the Queen and her 99 year-old husband Prince Philip reading a card sent to them by their grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in celebration of their 73rd wedding anniversary. Another photo showed the Queen knighting Captain Sir Thomas Moore for his fundraising efforts, while a third depicted the iconic Round Tower in Windsor Castle lit up blue to commemorate National Health Service workers.
This comes after the Queen spoke out on Christmas Day to deliver a powerful address to the world in which she praised frontline workers.
“Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need,” she said. “This year, we celebrated International Nurses’ Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. As with other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale shone a lamp of hope across the world.”
“Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us — supported by the amazing achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” the Queen continued. “We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that – even on the darkest nights — there is hope in the new dawn.”
She went on the say that her faith and “sense of purpose” has helped her through this year.
“Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers,” the Queen said.
“The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead. It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas,” she concluded.
🎄📺 “In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit.”
In her 2020 broadcast, The Queen reflects on acts of kindness during this extraordinary year. pic.twitter.com/iKa67aZEUZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2020
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