The 2012 Broadcast

Location:  Buckingham Palace

Produced by:  Sky

Theme:  The Queen reflects on a year of celebration, which included her Diamond Jubilee commemorations in June and the London Olympics later in the summer.  Her themes are fellowship, friendship, togetherness and the human spirit.  Her Majesty recalls the Jubilee river pageant on the Thames, where thousands of people enjoyed themselves, 'undaunted by the rain', watching numerous and diverse craft sail down the river.  The Queen observes that the same spirit was witnessed in the 'splendid summer of sport' which saw the Olympic and Paralympic Games come to London.  Elizabeth II also draws attention to volunteers, those in armed and emergency services away from their families at Christmas and those who have lost loved ones.  From a Christian perspective, the Queen comments on how 'togetherness' is at the heart of the Christmas story: ‘A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.’

Commentary:  The 2012 broadcast is arguably the most visually beautifully of them all.  The Queen dazzles in a fine silk tulle dress by Angela Kelly, which gives an impression of shimmering diamonds.  She stands in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, richly decorated with flowers and a Christmas tree; behind her the viewer can see through to the Music Room, and the Blue Drawing Room behind that.  The effect is truly stunning.  Also, the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace is featured twice during the broadcast:  at the start when the British Paraorchestra play God Save the Queen, and at the end when the Military Wives Choir sing In the Bleak Midwinter.  The latter is blended beautifully as the choir hum the melody to the sound of Her Majesty's closing words before singing the carol.

In another technological development, this was the first of Elizabeth II's Christmas messages to be filmed in 3D, and Her Majesty is shown in publicity material wearing 3D glasses watching the broadcast, which she is said to have described as 'absolutely lovely'.  Indeed it is, and in their second production Sky set a very high standard.

In a rare occurrence, the Queen made two television broadcasts during 2012.  Back in June she had filmed a brief message to thank those involved in the success of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

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