The 2003 Broadcast

Location:  Combermere Barracks, Windsor

Produced by:  BBC

Theme:  In the year of the Iraq War, a conflict which was ultimately far more lengthy and complicated than many had anticipated, the task of Armed Forces takes centre stage in the Queen's broadcast.  By Christmas of 2003 it was evident that although removal of Saddam Hussein had been relatively straightforward, British troops together with their American allies were now involved in a lengthy and bloody battle for the 'peace'.  Her Majesty recalls the bravery, dedication and achievements of those serving in the struggle to build 'a lasting peace in trouble spots across the globe'.  The Queen also speaks of the pain of separation between servicemen and women and their families, felt particularly keenly at Christmastime.

Commentary:  Throughout her reign Elizabeth II has displayed a  deep commitment to he role as head of the Armed Forces.  Given the undeniable and long-standing bond between the Queen and her troops, the choice of a barracks near her beloved Windsor home was fitting.  It was promoted at the time as being the first time that the Message had been filmed at a location other than one of the royal residences (while it could be argued that this is true in terms of the address in its traditional format, it should be noted that the highly unusual 1989 broadcast was filmed entirely at the Royal Albert Hall.  Also, the 1953 radio broadcast came live from Government House in Auckland, New Zealand, during the Queen and Prince Philip's tour of the Commonwealth).

The production begins with the Household Cavalry band playing 'God Save the Queen', which is then played over film footage of Her Majesty arriving by car at Combermere Barracks. For the first part of her address the Queen is filmed standing amongst armoured vehicles, which gives a striking and dramatic effect.  Her Majesty's words are interspersed with footage of her chatting with servicemen and women at the Barracks.  For the latter part of the speech the Queen speaks from the more familiar setting of a sitting room as she recites the prayer of Jesuit founder Ignatius Loyola, 'Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest'.

Following the recording, the Queen stayed briefly in hospital, where she underwent surgery to remove cartilage from her left knee, and also had a number of benign skin lesions (which are visible during the Broadcast) removed from her face.  Her Majesty had recovered sufficiently to attend church at Sandringham on Christmas Day.

In a further technological innovation, the broadcast was made available by telephone, with a unique number opened for the two weeks following transmission.

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