Queen praises troops in Christmas message
Queen will praise Britain's forces serving in Afghanistan
BASC has sent a letter to all local newspapers in the UK highlighting the benefits of game shooting and game meat. |  |
David Cameron's father died today, shortly after he arrived at the hospital to see him. |  |
Related Analysis and Comment
After years of anticipation and weeks of negotiations, the UN climate talks in Copenhagen have ended in failure and dissatisfaction from all involved. |
Thursday, 24, Dec 2009 04:00
By politics.co.uk staff
The Queen used her Christmas message to warn of the dangers of climate change - and pay tribute to UK servicemen and women in Afghanistan.
The monarch said the economic downturn had made 2009 a "difficult year" in her royal message.
"Each year that passes seems to have its own character," she said. "Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten."
Her message relating to the armed forces' sacrifice was centred on Afghanistan after a year in which 106 UK soldiers have died there.
"I'm sure that we've all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by casualties suffered by our forces serving there," the 83-year-old monarch said.
"Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends, who have shown immense dignity in the face of personal loss."
Following on from her attendance at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, the Queen also discussed the importance of the 54-nation body as a "strong and practical force for good".
She said the Commonwealth was "not an organisation with a mission", but an opportunity for people to "together to achieve practical solutions to problems" such as climate change.
The Queen concluded that while Christmas was a time for celebration and family reunions, it also afforded a chance to "reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves at home and throughout the world".
"We may face a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges," she said, "but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others."