Queen's message to reflect on 'sombre' Christmas
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 | 9:18 AM ET
CBC News
Queen Elizabeth will focus on the impact of the global financial crisis in her annual Christmas message, according to excerpts released by Buckingham Palace.
"Christmas is a time for celebration. But this year it is a more sombre occasion for many," the 82-year-old monarch will say.
"Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and, naturally, give rise to feelings of insecurity."
"People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world," she will say. "Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home."
The speech, which is written by the Queen, will also focus on her family, mentioning the 60th birthday of Prince Charles and include old home movie footage of her playing with him when he was just one year old.
She will deliver the speech from Buckingham Palace's music room, standing in front of a grand piano. The message will be carried on television, radio and YouTube.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will deliver a controversial Christmas Day broadcast on Britain's Channel 4 television as a counterpoint to the Queen's message.
In his recorded message, spoken in Persian with English subtitles, Ahmadinejad says he believes that if Jesus were alive, he would "stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers."
According to a transcript of the broadcast released in advance, Ahmadinejad says most of the world's problems stem from leaders who have turned against religion. He doesn't refer to rival nations or leaders by name or raise the issue of Israel.
"If Christ was on earth today undoubtedly he would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over," Ahmadinejad said, according to the text.
Other figures who have delivered Christmas broadcasts on Channel 4 include the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sharon Osborne and the animated TV character Marge Simpson of The Simpsons. Last year's message was delivered by Sgt. Maj. Andrew Stockton, a British soldier badly wounded in Afghanistan.
Dorothy Byrne, head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, said Ahmadinejad had been selected because relations between Iran and the West are likely to be a key global issue in 2009.
"As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view," Byrne said in a statement.
With files from the Associated Press
