2020 has certainly been a year like no other. The covid-19 pandemic has affected our day to day lives, our plans, and what we all considered, “normality.” The royal family have been through the year, adapting their work, to boost morale, shine a light on the hard work of volunteers, key workers, and ordinary men and women. They have opened new hospitals, visited charities, held zoom calls, created initiatives, taken on new patronages, volunteered at foodbanks, cheered people up, addressed the nation, marked poignant occasions, and done all of this with a smile when it was time to smile, an understanding sympathy when sympathy was called for, and a look on the bright side.
The royal family spent time apart, social distancing within their households, meaning that at Christmas they could not gather as they traditionally do. For the first time in many years, the Queen spent Christmas at Windsor Castle, where she has been isolating with the Duke of Edinburgh, rather than at Sandringham, as the royals have done recently. I wonder if this is the start of less of the family spending Christmas together as one big extended family, perhaps with them branching off to spend it in smaller groups as they did this year. For example, Princess Anne and her family together, the York’s together, etc. Most families don’t gather in such a large group, all the generations together, on actual Christmas Day. This year, the Queen could also not hold her yearly lunch at Buckingham Palace for the larger extended royal family. This gathering includes the Queen’s cousins and their children, her niece and nephew and their families, and is one of the few occasions they all come together.
Despite changes, and a lack of the traditional appearance of the royal family en masse at church on Christmas Day, where they meet well wishers, one tradition that did continue was the Queen’s Annual Christmas Day Speech. Pre-recorded as usual the Queen addressed the nation, reflecting on the year, and looking ahead to the next. She reflects on the major national and international events that have taken place, and the work of her own family. The Queen is a Christian, and brings into her speech the true meaning of Christmas, and what the birth of Jesus means for us as individual people, as well as a collected group.
This year the Queen’s message took on a special significance, considering what we have all been through. A transcript of the speech is here:
“Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood —light brings hope.
For Christians, Jesus is ‘the light of the world’, but we can’t celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way. People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity — despite social distancing.
Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.
This year, we celebrated International Nurses’ Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. As with other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale shone a lamp of hope across the world. Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that - even on the darkest nights - there is hope in the new dawn.
Jesus touched on this with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the roadside is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture. This wonderful story of kindness is still as relevant today. Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.
The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.
In November, we commemorated another hero – though nobody knows his name. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior isn’t a large memorial, but everyone entering Westminster Abbey has to walk around his resting place, honouring this unnamed combatant of the First World War — a symbol of selfless duty and ultimate sacrifice. The Unknown Warrior was not exceptional. That’s the point. He represents millions like him who throughout our history have put the lives of others above their own, and will be doing so today. For me, this is a source of enduring hope in difficult and unpredictable times.
Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.
The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead.
It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
As I reflect on 2020, I have seen once again the ability of the royal family to unite the nation, and to shine a light on the everyday work done by ordinary people, and show them recognition. As we settled in for a pandemic, lockdown, and difficulties, I knew that the royals would come into their own. Whether it’s the Queen holding zoom calls to keep investitures going. Or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelling Britain by royal chain to recognise each area of work done in the pandemic to spread Christmas cheer. Or the Countess of Wessex volunteering with local foodbanks. Or the VE and Remembrance Celebrations held and headed up by the royals. The royal family have played their part, leading us in our gratitude to our NHS and frontline staff. You can read further details about their work elsewhere on this blog.
The royals have also continued to champion causes and charities that they always have done, such as the environment, the arts, and family charities. This has shown a spirit of keep calm and carry on, showing us that some things can continue. The Queen still attends to her state papers wherever she is, and still carried out investitures via zoom. Events such as Trooping the Colour still took place, albeit under different circumstances.
As I draw this blog to a close, my last for 2020, I wish to mention a few more things. Firstly, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge both tested positive for Coronavirus, and were treated accordingly. I am pleased they recovered, and it shows we are all vulnerable to this virus. So stay safe everyone!
Secondly, right at the start of 2020 the momentous event was the stepping back of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and their subsequent move to Canada, and then America. You can read further details elsewhere on this blog. The Sussex’s have continued to carry out charity work, and seek income from other means. There clearly is a rift between them and the rest of the royals. I hope it heals!
Thirdly, so many people have had their weddings postponed this year, or carried out differently to their plans. Princess Beatrice postponed hers by a couple of months, and then had a much smaller affair. It was lovely to see the official photos, especially as the Princess wore a vintage dress that had belonged to her grandmother, the Queen. This year has seen the continued absence of the Duke of York from official duties, and I think that is for the best.
Lastly, it has been so lovely to see more of the Cambridge children in recent months! They are learning their part in national life.
So, as I look ahead to 2021, I know the royals will continue to carry out their duties, unite the nation, and function as a way of showing us the real heroes. Traditions will continue although they may have to adapt. We are also excited about the arrival of a royal baby, as Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank look forward to welcoming their first child.
Happy New Year!