Many just want a hug for Christmas this year, says Queen Elizabeth

LONDON (Reuters) – All many people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth said in her annual festive message, saying it would be difficult for those who have lost loved ones because of the COVID-19 pandemic or who have been separated by brakes. Diversity.

In her traditional pre-recorded Christmas Day address to the nation, the 94-year-old monarch has repeatedly spoken of hope for the future while acknowledging that millions of Britons could not have their usual family celebrations this year.

“Of course, for many this time of year will be tinged with sadness; some mourn the loss of loved ones, and others of missing friends and family removed to safety when all they really want for Christmas is a hug or a squeeze of the hand ” Elizabeth said.

“If you are among them, you are not alone. And let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.

The Queen herself has had to avoid her traditional Christmas celebrations and is quietly spending the holiday season at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince Philip, 99.

Usually all the Windsors gather at her home on the Sandringham Estate in the east of England, the stroll to a nearby church for a Christmas Day service is a staple of the royal calendar.

However, Britain is currently fighting to curb the spread of a new variant of the novel coronavirus, with the number of new infections reaching record levels this week and the number of hospital admissions and deaths skyrocketing.

Much of the country has been under strict restrictions, and for London and the surrounding area households are not allowed to mingle at all at Christmas, while for other areas strict restrictions limit contact to one single day.

“Remarkably, a year that has forcibly separated people has brought us together in so many ways,” the Queen said, adding that the Royal Family had been inspired by the stories of those who volunteered to help others in need.

“In the UK and around the world people have taken on the challenges of the year beautifully and I am so proud and moved by this indomitable and quiet spirit.