‘You are not alone’: Queen delivers Christmas address

"Every year, we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights, and light does more than create a festive mood," the Queen began. "Light brings hope. For Christians, Jesus is the light of the world."

"But we can't celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way," she lamented.

The Queen recognized the grief that millions of people face being unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones whether they are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or another holiday. "But we need life to go on," the Queen proclaimed.

"Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer," the Queen stated.

The Queen too is spending Christmas apart from most of her family members this year.

"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 continued.

She praised acts of kindness and grace the Queen and her family have been "inspired" by which have been seen in countries around the world, thanking "good Samaritans [who] have emerged across society, showing care and respect for all," as well as healthcare workers and young people.

"For me, this is a source of enduring hope in difficult and unpredictable times."

The Queen recognized the impact that distancing has had on millions of people, people "missing friends and family members... when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug and a squeeze of the hand."

"If you are among them, you are not alone," the Queen declared.

"Let the light of Christmas, the spirit of selflessness, love, and above all, hope, guide us in the times ahead," the Queen finished. "It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas."