The Queen talks of 'happiness and hope' brought by baby George in Christmas message that includes unseen footage of her great-grandson's christening day
The 83-year-old monarch said the arrival of a baby gives people 'the chance to contemplate the future,' and offers viewers a rare glimpse into royal life with previously unseen footage of his christening day.
Addressing the nation from the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty emphasises the importance of reflection as the year draws to an end.
The Queen speaks of the 'renewed happiness and hope' brought by the arrival of a new baby in her Christmas message recorded in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace
'We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection,' she says in the speech that was recorded earlier this month.
Dressed in the canary yellow gown she wore to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011, Her Majesty tells viewers: 'With so many distractions, it's easy to forget to pause and take stock.'
Her Majesty wears the diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch that was given to her by her parents to celebrate the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, for the message which is delivered in front of a glistening Christmas tree.
During speech that will be broadcast on BBC at 3pm, previously unseen footage of the historic photoshoot that took place at Clarence House to commemorate Prince George's christening.
The photograph, taken in October after the service at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, marked the first occasion the reigning monarch and three direct heirs to the throne had been pictured together since 1894.
Previously unseen footage of Prince George's christening day (pictured) will be shown in the 3pm broadcast on BBC
The photoshoot that took place at Clarence House marked the first occasion that the monarch and three direct heirs to the throne were pictured together since 1894
A framed print of the photograph is perched on a nearby table, with black and white images of the Queen's late parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, on either side during the speech.
This year's message also contemplates the role of the Commonwealth with the impending games due to be held in Glasgow in 2014.
Preparations are being finalised for the games in which the world's finest athletes compete in a variety of events.
The speech, written by Her Majesty and recorded by the BBC, also recalls the 60th anniversary of her coronation that took place in summer.
Her Majesty also recalled the 60th anniversary of her coronation that took place in June
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953 at Westminster Abbey where crowds gathered again this summer to celebrate her coronation's 60th anniversary
The Queen was crowned on June 2 1953 at Westminster Abbey where crowds gathered again this summer to commemorate her historic reign.
The message will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm today.
It will be available on the Royal Channel on the YouTube website and will also be shown in Commonwealth countries.
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