Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waves at the crowd of well-wishers as she leaves after attending the British royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
SANDRINGHAM, England (AP) - Queen Elizabeth II used her Christmas message Friday to proclaim that light can triumph over darkness in these perilous times - and to comment on the joys of having a new great-granddaughter, Princess Charlotte.
Elizabeth, who this year became Britain's longest-reigning monarch, acknowledged the difficult times the world faces but said there is no cause for despair, no reason to give up hope. The queen's speech has been a tradition in Britain since Elizabeth first delivered a Christmas message live on radio in 1952.
"It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it'."
On a lighter note, she remarked on the birth of Charlotte to Prince William and his wife, Kate, in May.
"One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree. And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun," she said.
She spoke in a prerecorded message from the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace, sitting next to a decorated fireplace and Christmas tree.
The highly personal Christmas message is a focal point of the royal family's holidays. The queen writes the brief speech herself, while she receives help from senior ministers on most other speeches.
She often refers to her Christian faith during the talk, as she did this time, but she also made clear that the beauty of a decorated Christmas tree can be enjoyed by people of all faiths and by those without formal religious belief.
Elizabeth wore a white and silver tweed day dress by Angela Kelly during the speech, accessorizing it with an art deco diamond and aquamarine brooch that belonged to her late mother. The table she sat next to was decorated with a portrait of Prince William, Kate and young Prince George.
The senior royals usually spend the Christmas holidays at Sandringham, a sprawling estate in Norfolk, 110 miles (175 kilometers) north of London. They usually exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and attend a church service on the grounds before enjoying a gala lunch and, sometimes, a walk in the woods.
This year Princess Charlotte and "big" brother Prince George, age 2, did not attend the traditional Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
The queen, in a festive red coat, arrived in a Bentley to lead the family to the service amid some sprinkles of rain.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were among the royals attending as some 1,000 well-wishers gathered outside hoping for a glimpse.
Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate came as well. Kate wore a green coat and matching hat.
The Christmas message - a time-honored British tradition - will be posted on the royal YouTube channel for maximum exposure.
In this Dec. 10, 2015 photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits at a desk in the 18th Century Room in Buckingham Palace in London, after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth, to be broadcast Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. Pictures on the desk are members of the Royal family, from right, Queen Elizabeth with Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles with Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William with Kate and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. (John Stillwell/Pool Photo via AP)
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Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrives with other members of the British royal family to attend their traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrives with other members of the British royal family to attend their traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Members of the British royal family attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. In the foreground, Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, followed by from left, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Britain's Prince William, centre left, and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Members of the British royal family attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince William, centre left, and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Britain's Prince Philip arrives with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Britain's Prince Charles, left, and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince William, left, his wife Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, center, and Prince Harry, background right, arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince Harry arrives with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince William, centre left, and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrives with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince William, left and his wife Kate the Duchess of Cambridge arrive with family members to attend the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Associated Press
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate the Duchess of Cambridge shelter from the rain as they leave after attending the traditional Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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