Queen Elizabeth's Unique Christmas Tradition: Why She Skips Her Own Speech

Richard April 21, 2025

While Queen Elizabeth II is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable figures globally, it turns out that even she isn’t a fan of watching herself give her annual Christmas message. According to recent reports, the 92-year-old monarch prefers to take a quiet stroll on her Sandringham Estate rather than sit through the broadcast of her carefully crafted speech. This little-known tradition highlights the Queen's preference for personal reflection over public scrutiny during the festive season.

Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Walk: A Royal Family Tradition

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The Royal Family's Christmas Ritual

When the clock strikes 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, the rest of the royal family gathers in the saloon drawing room to tune into the Queen’s televised address. Former royal butler Paul Burrell revealed to the Daily Mail that this is a momentous occasion for the royals. "The Queen’s Speech will be played at 3 p.m., [the royals] go through the saloon drawing room and switch the TV on, people will be expected to be there," Burrell explained. However, there’s one notable absentee—Her Majesty herself.

Queen Elizabeth's Quiet Escape

The Queen doesn’t stick around for the broadcast. Instead, she slips out through the north end door and enjoys a peaceful walk outside. "But the one person missing will be Her Majesty, who will slip through the north end door and go for a walk, as she doesn’t like to watch herself," Burrell shared. This simple yet meaningful act reflects the Queen's modesty and her desire to step away from the limelight, even if just for a moment.

Family Reactions and Christmas Cheer

When the Queen returns from her walk, she’s often greeted with warm words of appreciation from her family. "Then when she’s back they will congratulate her saying: ‘Oh, you were very good this year Granny. Well done,'" Burrell added. It’s a heartwarming tradition that underscores the familial bond and mutual respect within the royal household. Christmas, according to Burrell, is the Queen’s favorite holiday because it brings her entire family together under one roof at Sandringham.

Work Before Play: The Queen's Dedication

Even amidst the holiday cheer, the Queen remains committed to her duties. "The Queen especially loves Christmas because she has her entire family under one roof. She wants to do things with the family, but she still does her boxes, even on Christmas Day. She always puts work before pleasure," Burrell explained. This dedication to her responsibilities, even on a day meant for celebration, exemplifies the Queen's unwavering sense of duty.

The Queen's Message of Respect and Unity

In a sneak peek of her Christmas speech, the Queen emphasized the importance of respect and understanding in a rapidly changing world. "Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family, and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance. 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," she stated. Her words resonate deeply, offering a message of hope and unity during a time when it’s needed most.

A Timeless Message of Peace

The Queen also reiterated the timeless message of peace and goodwill, urging everyone to embrace these values. "I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone; it’s needed as much as ever," she added. Her speech serves as a reminder of the universal desire for harmony and understanding, transcending borders and cultures.

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