FROM the ornaments on the Christmas tree to a sweet nod to Prince Philip, Her Majesty’s speech set-up is full of thoughtful details.
Here are five hidden details in the Queen’s poignant Christmas message, which will be broadcast to the world tomorrow at 3pm.
Her brooch
The Queen is wearing a treasured brooch during the Christmas Day speech – which is a touching tribute to Prince Philip.
Her Majesty wore the sapphire chrysanthemum jewellery for a photo on her honeymoon in 1947 and at their 60th wedding anniversary.
Her honeymoon brooch was made with sapphires and diamonds in platinum and presented to her in 1946.
Following her wedding to her beloved Philip, in 1947, she proudly wore the brooch for a photo at Broadlands, Hants.
As it will be the first Christmas speech without Philip by her side, this is a touching tribute to her late husband.
Picture with Prince Philip
Sources say the Queen, 95, is going to give the most emotional and personal annual TV address of her near 70-year reign.
And she has a photo of her late husband Philip in the foreground during the speech.
It shows the loving pair recreating a honeymoon picture on their 60th anniversary.
The framed photo of the Diamond Wedding couple in 2007 appears on a desk beside her in the pre-recorded address to the nation.
Unlike previous years, when she has had many pictures of her family around her, it is the sole image.
The monarch will reflect on the loss of her beloved husband in her first Christmas speech since his death at the age of 99 in April.
Her romantic gestures come in a message which senior aides have described as “particularly personal”.
Star decorations on the tree
The Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room – where the speech was recorded – also has a special significance this year.
It has been decorated with over 100 white and gold stars – which were specially made by the children and staff of The Royal School, Windsor.
And after the speech was recorded, the stars were returned to the school to hang on the pupils’ own festive tree.
But before the end of term, each child took a star home as presents for their families.
The White Drawing Room
The White Drawing Room is one of three semi-state rooms in Windsor Castle that were created as private apartments for King George IV.
And it’s one of the most frequently used rooms at Windsor Castle.
They feature interiors decorated by Morel & Seddon, with a selection of furnishings and fittings taken from Carlton House, George IV’s former London residence.
The former King was known for his opulent taste in interiors – and the details can still be seen today.
The rooms, which also include the Crimson and Green drawing rooms, are now used by the Queen for formal entertaining.
Her Majesty often makes speech broadcasts from here – including her pre-recorded address on the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020.
And the White Drawing Room also served as the backdrop for the wedding photos of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Song in the background
In celebration of the Centenary of the Royal British Legion this year, the National Anthem was played by The Central Band of the Royal British Legion.
The song playing in the background was arranged and
conducted by David Cole OBE MVO – who has travelled around the world with the Royal Family.
He was previously the Music Director onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia from 1991.
The Christmas carol was performed by the Singology Community Choir this year – who are a group of singers who come together from across London to share in their passion for music.
The Choir were filmed in St George’s Hall, Windsor.
