But
in her Christmas message this year, three months before Britain is due
to leave the European Union amid deep political divisions, Queen
Elizabeth II appeals for people to show more respect to those with
opposing views.
"Even
with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with
respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards
greater understanding," the Queen will say.
In
excerpts of her televised address released by Buckingham Palace on
Monday, the 92-year-old also argues that the Christian message of "peace
on earth and goodwill to all" is timeless, and "needed as much as
ever."
While the Queen never wavers
from her politically neutral stance -- she does not mention Brexit
directly -- her message ends a year in which the divisions over the
issue have widened.
It also comes at a time when national populists surge across Europe and as US President Donald Trump continues to sow division for political gain.
Queen
Elizabeth II poses for a photo after she recorded her annual Christmas
Day message, in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace in London,
United Kingdom.
The
message features Queen Elizabeth II sitting at a desk in the White
Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, with a black-and-white photograph of
her, Prince Philip and Prince Charles as a baby.
She
appears in an ivory silk dress designed by Angela Kelly and a yellow
gold brooch with carved ruby and diamond embellishments designed by
Andrew Grima -- which was a gift from The Duke of Edinburgh in 1966.
The monarch also will talk about how
"faith, family and friendship" have been a "source of personal comfort
and reassurance" through the "many changes" she has seen over the years.
In last year's address, Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack and the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
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