The Queen's Speech
The Queen’s Speech
Seventy years of writingfrom Her Majesty Elizabeth II
One of the most significant roles of world leaders is to rise to the podium and speak to their nations. We see it in the United States as the President, behind a joint session of Congress, delivers the annual State of the Union Address, when the Pope addresses Vatican City from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, or when a British Royal Monarch marks the opening of Parliament. The late Queen Elizabeth II delivered this annual speech to outline policy and legislation but has also given countless others since she took the Throne in 1952. She was not just a monarch that recited what her ministers wrote for her, but a leader that connected with her nation throughout decades of history.
A Royal Christmas Broadcast
On each Christmas Day, millions of people from the United Kingdom and around the world turned to the television, radio, or internet to hear from Her Majesty. What made this writing different from the Queen’s normal tone was that she was allowed to talk openly. The message of her speech was not political, but hers alone.Every year, the Queen would touch on themes of family, peace, or servitude. Yet, how could she turn such repetitive writing into something new each time? She tailored her message. The Queen leveraged her brief time on Christmas day to highlight current issues and tie it backinto the beloved holiday. For example, she phased out usage of the word “empire” in the 1950s, touched on disabilities in 1980, addressed family scandals and destruction of Windsor Castle in 1992, memorialized Princess Diana in 1997, and offered reassurance amidst a global pandemic in 2020. The Queen turned a simple recording of well wishes into a platform to talk with the world.
1957
“Twenty-five years agomy grandfather broadcast the first of these Christmas messages. Today is another landmark because television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day. My own family often gather round to watch television as they are this moment, and that is how I imagine you now."
1997
“For most of us this is a happy family day. But I am well aware that there are many of you who are alone, bereaved, or suffering. My heart goes out to you, and I pray that we, the more fortunate ones, can unite to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed, and not 'pass by on the other side.”
2020
“Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
- Knowing your audience when you write allows you to find your voiceand make everypiece ofwriting unique.
- Establishing a tone is crucial to connect with readers in the best way, evicting a feeling in them like joy, hope, sadness, and many more.