It's the PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT

[Donna Winter]

Just imagine the AARS of FUN one could hev reading them ALIDE in the MENNER of our BELOVED MONARCH

[Donna Winter]

Prince Philip taken to HOSPITAL

CANCEL THE JUBILEE

[Kratz]

Rushed to Cambridge from Sandringham HEISE.

[Madison]

Does it contain the 1973 speech? It's a classic

[Donna Winter]

I can't LAY MY HANDS on '73 but here's a nice VINTAGE EFFORT from '88



Lovely TREE MA'AM

[Donna Winter]

1973 saw the wedding of Princess Anne to Captain Mark Phillips, and The Queen's Christmas Broadcast that year included film shot at Buckingham Palace on the wedding day.

It is now 21 years since I first broadcast a Christmas Message to the Commonwealth. Then our two elder children were only four and two.

Now, our daughter joins us for Christmas with her husband and we are celebrating the festival this year with the memories of their wedding very much in our minds.

We are constantly being told that we live in a changing world and that we need to adapt to changing conditions. But this is only part of the truth and I am sure that all parents seeing their children getting married are reminded of the continuity of human life.

That is why, I think, that at weddings all friends and relations, and even complete strangers, can stop worrying for a moment and share in the happiness of the couple who are getting married.

I am glad that my daughter's wedding gave such pleasure to so many people just at a time when the world was facing very serious problems.

People all over the world watched the wedding on television, but there were still many in London on the day, and their warmth and enthusiasm ensured it was an occasion my family will never forget.

Earlier this year, I went to Canada for a different sort of 'family occasion'. This was the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government, and here, I was reminded of the importance of human relationships in world affairs, and how membership of the Commonwealth has a subtle influence on the relationships between its leaders.

I was impressed by the spirit which brought together so many leaders from such different countries, and enabled them to discuss constructively matters which concern us all as friends.

Those of you who are surrounded by friends - or, of course, who are members of a happy family - know this makes life much easier.

Everything - the good and the bad - can be shared, but it is too easy for us to forget those who are not so fortunate.

However, there are many people of all ages who go out to help the old and the lonely, the sick and the handicapped. I am sure that, in so doing, they find the real happiness that comes from serving and thinking of others.

I believe that Christmas should remind us that the qualities of the human spirit are more important than material gain. Christ taught love and charity and that we should show humanity and compassion at all times and in all situations.

A lack of humanity and compassion can be very destructive - how easily this causes diversions within nations and between nations. We should remember instead how much we have in common and resolve to give expression to the best of our human qualities, not only at Christmas, but right through the year.

In this Christmas spirit let us greet all our fellow men and join together in this festival of tolerance and companionship.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

[Slave]

An oldie but a GOODIE

[Donna Winter]

NEWS: PRINCE PHILIP NOT PRESENTLY DEAD

[lolly]

BREAKING NEWS: OLD MAN IN HOSPITAL HAVING ROUTINE OPERATION. WIFE AND CHILDREN VISIT

*pad to fill 30 minutes*

[Madison]

[Agnetha]

[TurnerPrize]

GET WELL SOON PRINCE PHIL

I was saddened when i heard he was ill. Especially because we googled during the brief window where some scamp had gone onto wikipedia and killed him orf. I hope he can be home for Christmas, the glorious old shit.

Also i've totally just downloaded that ebook. Not the best of gifts though, being free and virtual. Try again Don.

[lolly]

I imagine the Queen would make QUITE the Merry Widow. She could be like my mum and slag it up in Benidorm three times a year, pissed on cheap bacardi.