Why a blog about the Christmas broadcasts of Queen Elizabeth II? Well, basically there wasn't one. There is information about the Broadcasts to be found 'out there', but as someone who has been fascinated by this annual tradition since being a small child over forty years ago, I thought it would be a nice idea to chronicle the broadcasts year by year in one place, so those who are interested can see over time what the Queen talked about, what she looked like and observe the production styles of the day. Though I will aim to continue covering the Christmas Messages of King Charles III with a review of sorts each year, first and foremost this is intended as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who though not a natural broadcaster continued with this tradition for almost seventy years out of a sense of duty.
This is an entirely unofficial effort, done intermittently when I have the time and enthusiasm to maintain it. Typically, I start showing an interest in this blog in the weeks before Christmas (as I begin to anticipate the next Broadcast), before my attention tapers off in mid-January. However, I have been known to have the odd burst of activity in high summer! Brick by brick, I had for several years been slowly and quietly building this blog in the background before finally publicising it.
My method has been to work 'backwards', reviewing the most recent Broadcasts first and ultimately ending with Queen Elizabeth's first Christmas message in 1952 (although I may eventually cover the broadcasts of George V and George VI in greater depth). Each new Broadcast, now delivered by King Charles III, is covered as it happens. I finally completed my initial task of reviewing all the historical Christmas messages of Queen Elizabeth II in January, 2021; less than two years before Her Late Majesty's sad death on 8th September 2022. Since completing the 1952 review I have been free to explore in my posts various aspects of the Christmas Broadcasts which are of interest to me and hopefully to readers of this blog.
My 'standpoint' is that I consider myself to be a supporter of monarchy. I will rarely, if ever, criticise Queen Elizabeth II's words, though in the rare instances that there have been controversies reported over her speeches I may make reference to them when relevant. Opinions expressed regarding the Broadcasts are my own and the reader is entirely at liberty to agree or to disagree. I have no professional knowledge of the technical side of television production; my opinions are those of the 'amateur' viewer. For the record, I regard myself as a 'traditionalist': in the Christmas messages I prefer the monarch to be speaking from one of the Royal residences and mainly 'in view', addressing the camera without over-use of interspersed footage. I am not averse to positive innovation and technological developments as production styles change, though I deplore 'gimmickry' at all costs!
I began this little effort in January 2011 with no idea of whether it would be successful, but I have been heartened to discover that it has achieved a decent amount of interest over the years, with visitors from all over the world. I hope the passing reader will find something of interest.
Annual Observer
Revised: December 2024.
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