Queen Elizabeth II plans to acknowledge that both Britain and her family have endured a difficult year by saying during her Christmas message that it has been a bumpy time.
The pre-recorded message will be broadcast in Britain and the Commonwealth nations on Christmas Day. It was recorded before the queen's husband, Prince Philip, was hospitalized in London as a precautionary measure.
Excerpts released by Buckingham Palace before the speech show the queen admits difficulties during the course of the year.
Talking about the need for reconciliation and forgiveness, Elizabeth says: The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference."