What time is the Queen’s Christmas Message broadcast on BBC1, when did the tradition start and why does she make a speech?
The Queen uses the message to reflect on the major events of the year
EACH Christmas the country tunes in to watch the Queen's Christmas Message and this year will be no different.
So what time can you watch the speech, why does she make it and when did the tradition start?
Here is everything we know...
What time can you watch the message?
The Christmas Message is embargoed until 3pm on December 25.
It will be broadcast on BBC One, ITV, Sky 1 and Sky News from 3pm until 3.10pm.
Not in front of a TV? Don't worry - you can also tune in on BBC Radio 4.
It is broadcast to the 52 members states in the Commonwealth of Nations.
In 2015, the Queen's message was the most watched Christmas Day programme, pulling in 7.5 million viewers in total, beating Downton Abbey's 6.9 million.
When did the tradition start?
The message is very much firmly planted in English tradition.
The first speech was made by Kind George V in 1932 to inaugurate the BBC World Service.
It was intended to be a one-off event but became an annual event and is now one of the most important dates in the royal calendar.
It became firmly established during World War Two when King George VI, in his first Christmas in 1939, sought to reassure people and boost morale.
Why does the Queen make a speech?
The speech is often used as a way to reflect on the major events of the year, of which there has been no shortage in 2016.
She also makes a comment on her own personal milestones throughout the year and reminds us all of the spirit of Christmas.
Planning begins months in advance, once the Queen decides on her theme of the year.
From there appropriate archive footage is collected and assembled for the speech which is recorded a few days before Christmas.
Despite falling ill and delaying the annual Christmas trip to Sandringham today, the speech has already been recorded and will air as usual on December 25.
The message has been read by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952.
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