Royal Maundy Service

When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

The birth of a baby brings great happiness - but then the business of growing up begins.

The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.

I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.

We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.

When limitless amounts of information, much of it ephemeral, are instantly accessible on demand, there is a renewed hunger for that which endures and gives meaning.

It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build.

I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.

Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour.

Each time I return to Berlin I marvel at the changes.

Separation at this time is especially hard to bear.

We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.

For Christmas marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal.

This December we are looking back not just on one year, but on a hundred years and a thousand years.

Though we each lead different lives, the experience of growing older, and the joys and emotions which it brings, are familiar to us all.

I remember my own childhood Christmases here, with my father and mother, and a great family gathering, and now I delight in seeing my children and grandchildren enjoying the...

But I cannot think of any Christmas of my reign when the message of the angels has been more apt.

So, our Commonwealth hearth becomes more precious than ever before by the contrast between its homely security and the storm which sometimes seems to be brewing outside, in...

To see British and Russian veterans standing together, in memory of the sacrifices of their comrades-in-arms, was a moving experience.

We have indeed become a global village.

I first came here for Christmas as a grandchild. Nowadays, my grandchildren come here for the same family festival.

I am constantly amazed by the generosity of donors and subscribers, great and small, who give so willingly and often towards the enjoyment of others.

I hope that all of us lucky enough to be able to enjoy such gatherings this Christmas will take time to count our blessings.

Unlike all the other planets in the solar system, earth shimmers green and blue in the sunlight and looks a very pleasant place to live.

May the Christmas story encourage you, for it is a message of hope every year, not for a few, but for all.

I hope we will all help each other to have a happy Christmas and, when the New Year comes, resolve to work for tolerance and understanding between all people.

There are many serious and threatening problems in this country and in the world but they will never be solved until there is peace in our homes and love in our hearts.

These success stories are often pushed into the background but they are the guarantee of our future.

But friendship, whether we are talking of continents or next door neighbours, should not need strife as its forerunner.

I hope that Christmas will remind us all that it is not how we communicate but what we communicate with each other that really matters.

Throughout history, seamen all over the world have shared a common experience and there is a special sense of brotherhood between merchant and naval seamen, fishermen...

All around us we see these acts of selflessness, people putting the life of someone else before their own.

I come across examples of unselfish service in all walks of life and in many unexpected places.

Today we celebrate the birth of the child who transformed history and gave us a great faith.

My grandfather, King George V, started the tradition of the Christmas Day Broadcasts back in 1932.

Remember that good spreads outwards and every little does help.

I believe that Christmas should remind us that the qualities of the human spirit are more important than material gain.