Queen’s Christmas speech called a ‘PR disaster’ as ‘gold piano’ sparks angry backlash

MILLIONS of people gathered to watch the Queen’s annual Christmas Broadcast on December 25 – but this year’s speech has sparked some backlash on social media.

Some viewers were quick to point out that the 92-year-old monarch spoke about social issues in the nation, while sitting in front of an ornate golden piano.

The Queen made her annual address in the spectacular White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace, while she discussed heavy subjects such as “tribalism”.

The piano in question – which was bought by Queen Victoria in 1856 – has a gold leaf finish and was made by the French firm Erard, which also crafted instruments used by Chopin.

The Queen may not have addressed poverty directly, but some said the choice of sumptuous backdrop was “tone deaf” to her message.

One viewer wrote: “I liked the bit where she was sitting on a gold chair in a gold room with her gold fire guard and gold clock in front of a gold mirror beside the gold piano writing with her gold pen next to the gold picture frame wearing her gold bracelet talking about poverty #QueensSpeech”.

Meanwhile another joked: “Nothing like bling on the tele to brighten up christmas for the poor.”

And one added: “What? Doesn't everyone have a gold piano in the front room?”

But many were quick to support the Queen and ask why people are surprised at the backdrop.

One person commented: “Lol, it's a palace for the queen/king...what do you expect, for her to give her speech from a travel lodge.”

And another Twitter user added: “Also it's all relative. What we have compared to the poor, starving and needy is lavish. Our 50 inch telly, the fact we've stuffed ourselves over Xmas and given unnecessary presents. I bet not many of us have even given one sprout to the needy. Hypocrisy and faux shock.”

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

In her speech, Her Majesty addressed the nation, saying various family weddings and births have kept her “well occupied” in 2018 - as Meghan and Kate put on a united front after feud rumours.

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."

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 the Commonwealth now consists of 53 member countries with a combined population of 2.4billion.

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 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.

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".

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."

The speech, which started and ended with singing from Cambridge’s King’s College choir, was recorded on December 12 and was produced by Sky News.

A combined audience of 6.4 million people watched the speech on BBC One, ITV, Sky One and Sky News.