We’ve come to take for granted that the Queen speaks into our homes each Christmas – but the first time a monarch broadcast live to their people in this way it was, as The Times recorded at the time, “the most notable event of Christmastide”
#QueensSpeech thetimes.co.uk/article/10-thi…
#QueensSpeech thetimes.co.uk/article/10-thi…
In 1932, George V transmitted his message to the BBC, broadcast across the world. For most, it was their first opportunity to hear the King’s voice
🗣“Through one of the marvels of modern science I am enabled this Christmas Day to speak to all my peoples throughout the Empire"
🗣“Through one of the marvels of modern science I am enabled this Christmas Day to speak to all my peoples throughout the Empire"
At two and a half minutes long — a mere 251 words — it was about a third of the average length of the Queen’s Christmas addresses
3pm was chosen for the broadcast because it was considered the best time to reach most of the Empire
But in practice the King had to broadcast live at 3.30pm because, between 1901 and 1936, Sandringham clocks were set half an hour ahead of GMT to make the most of daylight
But in practice the King had to broadcast live at 3.30pm because, between 1901 and 1936, Sandringham clocks were set half an hour ahead of GMT to make the most of daylight
There was no broadcast in 1936 because Edward VIII had abdicated the throne only two weeks earlier, so the new king, George VI, had a year to prepare for the ordeal
And an ordeal it was, for — as told in the 2010 film The King’s Speech — George VI had a crippling stammer
And an ordeal it was, for — as told in the 2010 film The King’s Speech — George VI had a crippling stammer
When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne she took up the baton. In the Queen’s first Christmas message, in 1952, she sat at the desk and in the chair where her grandfather and father before her had sat to deliver their broadcasts
From then until now it has been the one time of the year we hear the Queen’s views and listen to her thoughts in her own words, speaking directly to her people
The rest of the time she is the model of discretion and neutrality, so each speech offers insight into her character
The rest of the time she is the model of discretion and neutrality, so each speech offers insight into her character
The Queen’s choice of topics is invariably uplifting. She speaks of her family and uses the language of family to speak of one of the endeavours dearest to her heart — the Commonwealth
Her words have often been very moving. She has spoken perhaps most often about hope
Her words have often been very moving. She has spoken perhaps most often about hope
Now known in the industry as “one-take Windsor”, the Queen’s delivery has changed over the years: not least her voice has become lower and less cut-glass
Last year, as we were in lockdown for Christmas, she told the nation: “You are not alone.” But this year will be the Queen’s first Christmas message without the Duke of Edinburgh by her side
People especially tune in to the royal message at times of uncertainty: her broadcast in 2020 topped the Christmas TV ratings
Let us hope that this year the encouragement is mutual, and the watching eyes of her people let her know that she also is not alone
Let us hope that this year the encouragement is mutual, and the watching eyes of her people let her know that she also is not alone
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