Queen Elizabeth II is paying tribute today to the victims of the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester during her traditional Christmas message, according to excerpts from her speech that were broadcast earlier.
"This Christmas, my thoughts are with London and Manchester, whose wonderful personalities shone in the face of horrific attacks," she said in a speech filmed at Buckingham Palace, where she appeared in a ivory dress diamond star shaped pin.
In a more personal tone, the 91-year-old monarch talks about her husband, with whom they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Two photos of the royal couple, one black and white from their wedding and a second taken on the occasion of their platinum anniversary, were placed in an office next to her.
In her speech, the queen praised the "support" and "unique sense of humor" of Prince Philip's husband, who left the royal public office at the age of 96 in the summer.