British Queen delivers Christmas message, reflecting on past year

The Queen in Britain delivered a televised Christmas speech Wednesday afternoon, reflecting on the past year when the 60 anniversary of her coronation was celebrated and her great-grandson was born.

The speech was recorded at the Buckingham Palace earlier this month and broadcast at 3 p.m. (GMT 1400) Wednesday, in which the 87-year-old Elizabeth II stressed reflection. "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection," she said. "With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."

"Reflection can take many forms," the Queen continued. "When families and friends come together at Christmas, it is often a time for happy memories and reminiscing."

"I myself had cause to reflect this year at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day 60 years earlier," she said, talking about the past decades when she was on the throne.

"The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the coronation, many of them for the better, and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighborliness," she said.

Then she looked into the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year. "The baton relay left London in October, and is now in the other side of the world, on its way across 70 nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer," she said. "Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life."

The year 2013 is also an important for the royal family, when Prince George was born.

The Queen, sitting beside a family photo, told audiences that arrival of a baby "gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope."

She especially mentioned the baptism of the five-month-old new member of her family. "As with all who are christened, George was baptised into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service. After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph. It was a happy occasion."

The address was believed to be written by the Queen for this rare occasion when she could speak out her thoughts as freely.

When it was broadcast on Wednesday, the royal family was at Sandringham, where they attended traditional service at church.