you can have a conversation with it and it knows everything. that is, honest to god, they all watched "star trek." this is what they are all gunning for. announcer: all in prime time on c-span. announcer: queen elizabeth ii delivered her and you will christmas message from london. the tradition of the royal christmas message dates back to 1932 with a radio address by king george v. queen elizabeth 81st televised address in 1957 -- made the first televised address in 1957. this is just under 10 minutes. ♪

["god save the queen"] queenod save our gracious long live our noble queen god save the queen send her victorious happy in glorious long to reign over us god save the queen ♪ queen elizabeth ii: 60 years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the first television broadcast of its kind. she described the moment as a landmark. [archival footage] television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on christmas day. my own family often gather round to watch television, as they are at this moment. and that is how i imagine you now.

six decades on, the presenter has evolved somewhat, as has the technology she described. back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones, as some of you are today? but i'm also struck by something that hasn't changed -- that whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home. we think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity and love, of shared stories and memories, which is perhaps why, at this time of year, so many return to where they grew up. there is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home. for many, the idea of home reaches beyond a physical building to a hometown or city. this christmas, i think of

london and manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past 12 months in the face of a appalling attacks. in manchester, those targeted included children who had gone to see their favourite singer. a few days after the bombing, i had the privilege of meeting some of the young survivors and their parents. >> [indiscernible] >> very scary. >> dreadful. we will get there. >> it is very nice to see everyone united. ii: i described

that hospital visit as a privilege because the patients i met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. indeed, many of those who survived the attack came together just days later for a benefit concert. it was a powerful reclaiming of the ground and of the city those young people call home. we expect our homes to be a place of safety -- sanctuary, even -- which makes it all the more shocking when the comfort they provide is shattered. a few weeks ago, the prince of wales visited the caribbean in the aftermath of hurricanes that destroyed entire communities. and here in london, who can forget the sheer awfulness of the grenfell tower fire? our thoughts and prayers are with all those who died and those who lost so much, and we

are indebted to members of the emergency services who risked their own lives this past year saving others. many of them, of course, will not be at home today because they are working to protect us. reflecting on these events makes me grateful for the blessings of home and family and, in particular, for 70 years of marriage. i don't know that anyone had invented the term platinum for a 70th wedding anniversary when i was born. you weren't expected to be around that long. even prince philip has decided it's time to slow down a little, having, as he economically put it, "done his bit." but i know his support and unique sense of humour will remain as strong as ever as we enjoy spending time this christmas with our family, and look forward to welcoming new members into it next year.

in 2018, i will open my home to a different type of family, the leaders of the 52 nations of the commonwealth, as they gather in the uk for a summit. the commonwealth has an inspiring way of bringing people together, be it through the commonwealth games, which begin in a few months' time on australia's gold coast, or through bodies like the commonwealth youth orchestra and choir, a reminder of how truly vibrant this international family is. today, we celebrate christmas, which itself is sometimes described as a festival of the home. families travel long distances to be together. volunteers and charities, as well as many churches, arrange meals for the homeless and those who would otherwise be alone on christmas day.

we remember the birth of jesus christ, whose only sanctuary was a stable in bethlehem. he knew rejection, hardship, and persecution. and yet, it is jesus christ's generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad. whatever your own experience is this year, wherever and however you are watching, i wish you a peaceful and very happy christmas. ♪

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