Queen’s Christmas Speech 2018 sees monarch joke about family

THE Queen joked about her family keeping her "well occupied" this year in her annual speech - as Meghan and Kate put on a united front this morning after feud rumours.

Her Majesty addressed the nation this afternoon, saying various family weddings and births have kept her busy in 2018.

Bringing a touch of humour to her televised address, the Queen said: "Closer to home, it's been a busy year for my family, with two weddings and two babies and another child expected soon.

"It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied."

It comes amid rumours the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge have struggled to get along - with sources saying they're "very different people".

But today the pair were all smiles as they attended church with other members of the Royal Family.

The Queen has had a memorable 2018, with two of her grandchildren - the Duke of Cambridge and Zara Tindall - welcoming new additions to their families.

Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in May, announcing soon afterwards that were expecting their first child, and granddaughter Princess Eugenie wed long-term boyfriend Jack Brooksbank.

Both the happy couple's nuptials, and the moments when each pair kissed on the steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle were shown.

As was a clip of Prince Louis' proud parents, William and Kate, presenting him to the world after his birth on April 23.

"We have had other celebrations too, including the 70th birthday of the Prince of Wales," said the Queen as the camera panned to a framed picture on her desk, an official image released to mark Charles's milestone.

The broadcast was recorded two weeks ago in Buckingham Palace's White Drawing Room, surrounded by family photos.

The Queen spoke of having loved ones around her: "Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance."

And she offered words of comfort for those missing relatives or friends: "At Christmas, we become keenly aware of loved ones who have died, whatever the circumstances.

"But, of course, we would not grieve if we did not love."

Now aged 92, the Queen's reign as monarch has lasted 66 years and she has been married to the Duke of Edinburgh for more than seven decades.

After footage was shown of a "thrilling" RAF fly-past, celebrating the air force's centenary by forming the number "100" earlier this year, the Queen said: "We owe them and all our armed services our deepest gratitude."

As Parliament remains divided over Brexit and with military conflicts still raging in parts of the world, the monarch's message appeared to touch on such issues.

Sitting at a desk and with a Christmas tree in the background, she said: "Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I'd like to think so.

"Perhaps part of that wisdom is to recognise some of life's baffling paradoxes, such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil.

"Even the power of faith, which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice, can fall victim to tribalism."

The Queen also remembered her father, George VI, reflecting on his service with the Royal Navy during the First World War and the role he played in the early years of the Commonwealth.

She added that today the Commonwealth consists of 53 member countries with a combined population of 2.4 billion.

She said: "Its strength lies in the bonds of affection it promotes, and a common desire to live in a better, more peaceful world.

"Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding."

Her Majesty concluded the broadcast on a religious note, saying: "I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date.

"It can be heeded by everyone; it's needed as much as ever. A very happy Christmas to you all."

The broadcast ended as it had begun, with singing from the choir of King's College, Cambridge, famous, as the Queen said, for its Nine Lessons and Carols.

They opened the festive broadcast by singing the National Anthem and ended with the carol Once In Royal David's City.