The Queen pays tearful tribute to Prince Philip in her Christmas message

The Queen paid tribute to her “beloved” Philip in a touching Christmas message, reflecting on a year of mourning.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was married to the Queen for 73 years, died in April at the age of 99.

In a recorded speech from the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, the Queen said Christmas “can be tough for those who have lost loved ones”.

“Especially this year, I understand why,” she said.

“But it has been a great comfort to me in the months since my beloved Philip's death to have received the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from across the country, the Commonwealth and the world.

“His spirit of service, his intellectual curiosity and his ability to extract fun from any situation – all of this was indomitable.

“That mischievous, questioning twinkle was just as bright at the end as it had been when I first saw him.

“But of course life is also about final goodbyes and first meetings – and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.

“We felt his presence as we, like millions of people around the world, prepared for Christmas.”

During her speech, the monarch wore a sapphire chrysanthemum brooch that she had worn on her honeymoon in 1947.

She also praised her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their commitment to climate change.

But her middle son, Prince Andrew, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not mentioned at all during the nine-minute broadcast – either on screen or by name; both have retired from royal duties.

However, there were tacit mentions that Lilibet, the Sussexes' daughter, was one of the four great-grandchildren born in 2021.

The personal message – as always written by the Queen alone – is particularly fitting given the upheaval many families have experienced in this further year affected by coronavirus.

The Queen was also aware of the impact of the omicron variant and cancelled her regular trip to Sandringham to spend Christmas in Windsor.

Charles and Camilla accompanied her that day, but she did not attend a Christmas service at St. George's Chapel.

The Queen, whose speech was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, said: “While Covid once again means we cannot celebrate quite as we might have liked, we can still enjoy the many beautiful traditions.”

She added: “I'm sure someone somewhere today will point out that Christmas is a time for children. That's an interesting truth, but only half the truth.

“Perhaps it is truer to say that Christmas can appeal to the child in all of us.

“Adults, when plagued by worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, which is not the case with children.

“And for me and my family, although we will miss a familiar laugh or two this year, it will be a joyous Christmas as we have the chance to reminisce and see the wonder of the holiday season anew, through the eyes of our young children. We were delighted to welcome four more of them this year.”

The 95-year-old Queen also hinted that she would be reunited with her loved ones in the new year.

She said: “In February, just six weeks from now, my platinum anniversary year begins. I hope it will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness… and also to look to the future with confidence.”

Finally, the Queen said: “I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”