London and Manchester Praised by Queen in Christmas Message

Her Majesty the Queen will use her annual Christmas message to praise the powerful identities of London and Manchester, which shone through in the face of devastating terrorist attacks this year.

The Queen's televised address to the nation will also pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who has retired from solo public duties, praising his unique sense of humour and unwavering support.

In the pre-recorded message, filmed at Buckingham Palace, the Queen will reflect on the previous 12 months, taking home as its theme.

She will say, “This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identity shone through over the past 12 months in the face of appalling attacks.”

The address traditionally has a strong religious framework reflecting the Queen's faith and is written by the monarch, drawing on current issues and personal experiences over the past year.

The Queen's message will look back at headline-making events during 2017, including the general election in June, the Grenfell Tower fire, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement, and the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

The Duke of Edinburgh, famed for his quips, inquisitive mind, and no-fuss attitude, stood down from his solo public role in August, although he has made occasional appearances at events involving the Queen.

Speaking about the theme of the Christmas message, the Queen will say, “We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity, and love.

There is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home.”

This year's annual address has been produced by Sky News and was recorded in the Palace's 1844 room, which is decorated with a large tree and features family photos.

The broadcast will show pictures of the Queen's great-grandchildren, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, along with two wedding-related images of the Queen and Philip, but taken 70 years apart.

The royal couple is featured in a black-and-white image from their 1947 wedding and in a colour photo released to mark their 70th wedding anniversary celebrated in November.

The Queen is wearing an ivory-white dress by Angela Kelly, an outfit she first wore with a matching coat and hat for the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant in 2012.

She is also wearing a star-shaped diamond brooch.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Norfolk last week to kick off their traditional Christmas break, which they will spend on the royal estate at Sandringham.

This year, Harry's fiancée Meghan Markle will join her husband-to-be at Sandringham on December 25, an unprecedented step for someone who is yet to become an official member of the royal family.

The Duchess of Cambridge did not spend Christmas at Sandringham until she and William were man and wife in 2011.

Meghan, who will take British citizenship and get baptised by the Church of England before the wedding, will also attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.