Looking back
For many readers, watching The Queen’s speech at Christmas has been part of life for decades, as has seeing her emerging from church near the Sandringham Estate. This year, King Charles III will lead the country’s Yuletide celebrations. Here, we look back at some of our favourite Elizabethan festive moments...
Christmas was a time for family, faith and royal duty for Queen Elizabeth II, as millions welcomed Her Majesty into their homes to watch her reflections on the year. Behind the screen, The Queen was able to enjoy some of the festive period in private with her family.
As a young woman, the then Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, would dress up and perform pantomimes together. In their later years, they continued to spend Christmas Day with each other, attending annual church services along with their mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Church was always an important part of The Queen’s Christmas. As her children married and grandchildren were born, she welcomed her growing family into the services she’d always held so close to her heart.
1943 A royal performance
Growing up, Princess Elizabeth often performed in plays and Christmas pantomimes alongside Princess Margaret. Here, the young princesses star in their own production of Aladdin at Windsor Palace in 1943, wearing full costume.
1979 Her Majesty’s horses
The Queen was known for her deep love of animals. Horses held a special place in her heart and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend horse shows and racing events. The Queen also owned her own horses and, here, she is captured taking a winter’s ride in the snow during the New Year’s holiday of 1979, at Sandringham.
1989 Faith and The Queen
Her Majesty was head of the Church of England and her faith was very important to her, so religious traditions around Christmas remained a staple of the royal festive calendar. She often attended the Church of St Mary Magdalene at Sandringham (pictured left in 1989) as well as St George’s Chapel at Windsor, her final resting place alongside Prince Philip.
1996 The Queen in colour
Her Majesty’s love of bright colours was evident from the vibrant outfits she wore during public engagements, which ensured she always stood out in a crowd. Christmas Day was no exception and, in 1996, The Queen wore an orange coat and matching hat by designer John Anderson to meet members of the public.
1994 The Christmas Day service
The Royal Family attend church on Christmas Day every year. Here, in 1994, The Queen attends a service at Sandringham with family members, including her sister, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Diana.
2002 The Queen and The Countess of Wessex
