LONDON (Reuters) – Everyone wishing for Christmas this year is a simple hood, Queen Elizabeth of Britain said in her annual Christmas message, saying it would be sad for those who have lost the pandemic lovers of COVID -19 or separated by social mixing loops.
In her traditional Christmas Day pre-recorded speech to the nation, the 94-year-old monarch once again spoke of hope for the future, acknowledging that millions of Britons would not be able to celebrate their usual family celebration this year. .
“Certainly for many, this time of year will be sad; some mourn the loss of loved ones, while others miss friends and family members who are at a distance for safety when all they want for Christmas is a simple hook or hand clasp, ”he said. Elizabeth.
“If you are among them, you are not alone. And I will assure you of my thoughts and prayers. “
The queen herself has had to keep an eye on traditional Christmas festivities, and she spends Christmas time quietly at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince Philip, 99.
All the Windsors usually gather at her house on the Sandringham estate in the east of England, the walk to a nearby church for the Christmas Day service is a staple of the royal calendar.
However, Britain is currently fighting to stop the spread of a new variant of the novel coronavirus, with the number of new infections reaching peak levels this week and the number of hospital admissions and death ascending on high.
Much of the country has been placed under strict restrictions, and for London and the surrounding areas, families are not allowed to mix at all at Christmas, while for other areas tight loops restrict communication to just one day.
“Surprisingly, a year that has essentially kept people apart has brought us closer,” said the queen, adding that the royals have been inspired by stories of those who were willing to help. with others in crisis.
“In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have come up with the challenges of the year and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, peaceful spirit.”
Reporting by Michael Holden; edited by Guy Faulconbridge