25 Dec 1996 - HM The Queen's 1996 Christmas Speech

BUCKINGHAM PALACE
25 December 1996

                CHRISTMAS BROADCAST 1996
 
   To look back is not necessarily to be nostalgic. When I come to
Sandringham each year, I like to reflect on what Christmas must have
been like when King Edward VII, my great grandfather, and Queen
Alexandra first came here as young parents. I remember my own
childhood Christmases here, with my father and mother, and a great
family gathering, and now I delight in seeing my children and
grandchildren enjoying the same traditions.
 
   Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the founder of the
Christian faith, an event which took place almost 2000 years ago;
every year, at this time, we are asked to look back at that
extraordinary story and remind ourselves of the message which
inspired Christ's followers then, and which is just as relevant
today.
 
   At Christmas I enjoy looking back on some of the events of the
year. Many have their roots in history but still have a real point
for us today. I recall, especially, a dazzling spring day in Norwich
when I attended the Maundy Service, the Cathedral providing a
spectacular setting. The lovely service is always a reminder of
Christ's words to his disciples: "Love one another, as I have loved
you". It sounds so simple yet it proves so hard to obey.
 
   In June came Trooping the Colour, a vivid reminder of this
Country's proud military tradition, and of the discipline and
dedication which our servicemen and women show in their taxing tasks
of peace-keeping in many distant parts of the world.
 
   Then, in October, I opened Parliament. This is not just a State
occasion, but is also symbolic of the process of parliamentary
democracy which we enjoy here in Britain, and in so many countries of
the Commonwealth. It is a process which seeks to express the ideal of
the equality of all citizens under the law.
 
   So, the past, with its traditions, has its lessons for us in 1996.
And this year, in our travels, Prince Philip and I have also been
looking to the future. I and all my family have always felt that one
of our most important duties is to express, in our visits overseas,
the goodwill of our country towards friends abroad, near and far. So,
last spring, we visited Poland and the Czech Republic, where we saw
the development of democracy and prosperity in countries which only
recently were communist-governed. And everywhere we received the best
of welcomes. In the autumn we went to Thailand, where we renewed old
friendships and witnessed the blending of tradition with a dynamic
commercial spirit.
 
   There was also a happy visit to this country by the President of
France. And I shall never forget the State visit of President
Mandela. That most gracious of men has shown us all how to accept the
facts of the past without bitterness, how to see new opportunities as
more important than old disputes and how to look forward with
courage and optimism. His example is a continuing inspiration to the
whole Commonwealth and to all those everywhere who work for peace and
reconciliation.
 
   Each year brings its share of difficulties for many families. This
year has I know, been no exception. And during it some have suffered
bereavement of a tragic and shocking kind.
 
   At such times, it is tempting for all of us, especially those who
suffer, to look back and say "if only". But to look back in that way
is to look down a blind alley. Better look forward and say "if only".
If only we can live up to the example of the child who was born at
Christmas with a love that came to embrace the whole world. If only
we can let him recapture for us that time when we faced the future
with childhood's unbounded faith. Armed with that faith, the New
Year, with all its challenges and chances, should hold no terrors for
us, and we should be able to embark upon it undaunted.
 
   My family joins me in wishing each one of you a very Happy
Christmas.
The Unofficial British Royal Family Pages

25 Dec 1996 - HM The Queen's 1996 Christmas Speech
