THE Queen has described the birth of Meghan and Harry’s baby Archie as a “delight” in this “bump year” during her annual Christmas Day speech.
Her Majesty addressed the nation this afternoon, reflecting on the past and sharing her hope for the future despite the obstacles in the way.
Touching on the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first child Archie, the Queen said: “Two hundred years on from the birth of my great, great grandmother, Queen Victoria, Prince Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth great grandchild into our family.”
The 93-year-old monarch also spoke of how faith and hope can overcome divisions in today’s address to the nation and the Commonwealth.
It comes as this year has been labelled her second annus horribilis the Latin phrase she used to describe 1992 after the marriages of three of her children collapsed.
This time, son Prince Andrew, 59 missing from family photos seen during the broadcast has become embroiled in scandal over his links with paedo Jeffrey Epstein and allegations that he slept with a teen sex slave.
Husband Prince Philip, was back in hospital last week and was involved in a car accident in January.
And the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have controversially spoken out about their struggles living in the public eye.
Brexit has continued to divide the country as uncertainty still looms.
QUEEN REFLECTS
The monarch spoke of the life of Jesus and the importance of reconciliation in todays broadcast.
She talked about how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding.
The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.
The Queen also highlighted the 75th anniversary of World War Twos D-Day landings, and how former sworn enemies joined together in friendly commemorations to mark the milestone in 2019.
She said: “For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formally been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them.
“Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight. It takes patience and time to rebuild trust, and progress often comes through small steps.
“Since the end of the Second World War, many charities, groups and organisations have worked to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides.
‘SENSE OF PURPOSE’
“By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost.”
Her Majesty then highlighted how today’s generation follows a “similar sense of purpose” when it comes to climate change and thanked the men and women of the armed forces and emergency services for their sacrifices.
She said: “The challenges many people face today may be different to those once faced by my generation, but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate.
“My family and I are also inspired by the men and women of our emergency services and armed forces; and at Christmas we remember all those on duty at home and abroad, who are helping those in need and keeping us and our families safe and secure.”
Prince Andrew isn’t the only royal missing the photographs on show during the speech.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s photo is also missing as its reported they celebrating Christmas in Canada.
The rest of the senior royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with their children on display.
