Read The Queen’s Christmas Message 2018: Respect Despite Differences, The Queen Reminds Everyone

The Queen with U.S. First Lady Betty Ford. Image source: Picryl

The Royal Christmas Message has been a part of every Royal Christmas tradition since 1932, when King George V made his first Christmas radio broadcast for the Commonwealth Realms. His successor, King Edward VIII was not able to deliver his own King’s Christmas Message because he abdicated shortly before Christmas in 1936. Except in 1938, King George VI faithfully continued the tradition of delivering the annual Christmas Message until 1951. After succeeding to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has delivered a Christmas message every year and it has become a highly-anticipated program on television ever since.

The Queen called 2018 the "year of centenaries," with the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Air Force and also the 100th year since the end of First World War. She also recalled family affairs that called for national celebration, like the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in April and the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank in October, and the seventieth birthday of the Prince of Wales.

She also mentioned the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London and the goals of the Commonwealth and its principles of mutual respect. The Queen also mentioned that peace and goodwill should be maintained as much as ever with the need for every individual to show respect even when they harbour deeply held differences.

Here is the full transcript of The Queen’s Christmas Message 2018:

For many, the service of 'Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College Cambridge is when Christmas begins. Listened to by millions of people around the world it starts with a chorister singing the first verse of once in royal David City. The priest who introduced this service to King's College Chapel exactly 100 years ago was Eric Milner White. He had served as a military chaplain in the First World War. Just six weeks after the Armistice he wanted a new kind of service which, with its message of peace and goodwill spoke to the needs of the times.

2018 has been a year of centenaries. The Royal Air Force celebrated its hundredth anniversary with a memorable fly-past demonstrating a thrilling unity of purpose and execution.We owe them and all our armed services our deepest gratitude.

My father served in the Royal Navy during the First World War he was a midshipman in HMS Collingwood at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. The British fleet lost 14 ships and 6,000 men in that engagement. My father wrote in a letter how and why we were not hit beats me.

Like others he lost friends in the war. At Christmas we become keenly aware of loved ones who have died whatever the circumstances. But of course we would not grieve if we did not love. Closer to home, it has been a busy year for my family.

With two weddings and two babies and another child expected soon it helps to keep a grandmother well occupied. We have had other celebrations too, including the 70th birthday of the Prince of Wales.

Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I'd like to think so. Perhaps, part of that wisdom is to recognize some of life's baffling paradoxes such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil.

Even the power of faith which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice can fall victim to tribalism. But through the many changes I have seen over the years: faith, family, and friendship have been not only a constant for me, but a source of personal comfort and reassurance.

In April the Commonwealth Heads of Government met in London. My father welcomed just age countries to the first such meetings in 1948. Now, the Commonwealth includes 53 countries with 2.4 billion people, a third of the world's population. Its strength lies in the bonds of affection it promotes and a common desire to live in a better, more peaceful world.

Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding. Indeed the Commonwealth Games held this year on Australia's Gold Coast are known universally as the friendly games because of their emphasis on good will and mutual respect.

The Christmas story retains its appeal since it doesn't provide theoretical explanations for the puzzles of life. Instead, it's about the birth of a child, and the hope that birth 2,000 years ago, brought to the world.

Only a few people acknowledged Jesus when he was born; now billions follow him. I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone. It's needed as much as ever.