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'THEY ARE AN INSPIRATION'
The Queen praises ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’ and Team GB stars in her Christmas Day speech
The monarch's speech comes at the end of a landmark year for the UK
THE Queen has said she draws strength from "ordinary people doing extraordinary things" in her Christmas Day address.
She has praised those who inspire others - including the UK's Olympians and Paralympians who took home a record 214 medals in Brazil this year.
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The address was recorded before news broke that her granddaughter, Zara Tindall, had lost her baby.
It was also filmed before The Queen was forced to pull out of her annual visit to Sandringham for church because of a heavy cold.
During her annual televised message, Her Majesty also highlights the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2016, and The Prince's Trust, which is 40 years old this year.
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Reflecting on the past 12 months, the Queen will say: "I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.
"They are an inspiration to those who know them."
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The speech comes at the end of a landmark year, which saw the UK vote for Brexit, David Cameron step down as Prime Minister and the Queen celebrating her 90th birthday.
But she did say that "on our own" we could not solve global problems but the collective effect of many could have a positive impact.
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She also thanked the hundreds of charities and organisations, which have her as a patron, in the wake of her birthday.
The monarch added: "From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved; to championing music and dance; providing animal welfare; or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all."
The Queen also highlighted the work of organisations associated with members of her family, like the medical staff and crew members from East Anglian Air Ambulance with whom her grandson William flies helicopters.
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In her message she said: "A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.
"It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly-skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day."
As she spoke, footage was shown of her visit, with the Duke of Edinburgh, to the new base, with William showing his grandparents the rear of a helicopter where equipment was stored.
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The Queen paid particular attention to the nation's athletes, who returned from Brazil with 147 medals overall - made up of 64 golds, 39 silvers and 44 bronze - their most successful Games since 1988.
The ParalympicsGB squad took home 147 medals overall, made up of 64 golds, 39 silvers and 44 bronze - also their most successful Games since 1988.
She said: "Having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others".
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The address traditionally has a strong religious framework reflecting the Queen's faith, and is written by the monarch reflecting current issues and drawing on her own experiences over the past year.
The speech is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice.
The Queen recorded her message in Buckingham Palace's regency room, which featured a photograph or her with the Prince of Wales released earlier this month to mark the end of her 90th birthday year.
For the occasion, the Queen wore a deep jade, silk cloque dress by Angela Kelly, as well as a pearl and diamond brooch previously worn by the late Queen Mother.
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A few days ahead of the broadcast it was announced the Queen would stand down as patron of 25 national organisations, but she remains patron of around 600 others.
In this year's alternative Christmas message on Channel 4, Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, will call for an end to the "rise of hatred" and pay tribute to his wife.
FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
"There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them. But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.
"Throughout the Commonwealth there were equally joyful celebrations. Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and New Zealand won more medals per head of population than any other countries.
"Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations. Inspiration fed their aspiration; and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.
"A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot. It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day.
"But to be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals. I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.
"They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She once said: 'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love'.
"This has been the experience of two remarkable organisations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year. These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.
"To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall. Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.
"From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved; to championing music and dance; providing animal welfare; or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.
"When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength. In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in'.
"But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.
"At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago. It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.
"Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.
"And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.
"The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.
"I wish you all a very happy Christmas."
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