In 1800, Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, erected the first known Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. She hosted a party for the children of Windsor families. According to Dr. John Watkins, who wrote a biography of Queen Charlotte, the large yew tree stood in a tub in the middle of the drawing room at Queen’s Lodge. The branches were decorated with “bunches of sweetmeats, almonds, and raisins in papers, fruits and toys, most tastefully arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax candles.”
Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree. As he and Queen Victoria shared their family tradition of gathering around the tree at Windsor Castle with popular publications of the day, the tradition caught on with families throughout the country. With the support (and possibly encouragement) of the royal family, Illustrated London News, Cassell’s Magazine, and The Graphic shared images of the royal Christmas at Windsor with details about the royal trees.
After Victoria, in the early 20th century, the royals began celebrating Christmas at Sandringham. Edward VII decided to start holding family Christmas celebrations there in 1864. George V continued the tradition of the royal family Christmas at Sandringham. In 1932, King George V delivered the first royal Christmas broadcast live from Sandringham House.
George VI, who succeeded his brother, gave his first Christmas broadcast in 1937. In 1939, George VI spoke on the first Christmas of World War II. He sadly reflected on the loss of peace during the Christmas season and praised the Royal Navy, British Expeditionary Force, and armies of the Empire. As the war ended and new challenges arose, George VI spoke of the unity and steadfastness of the Commonwealth and the Empire.
Her Majesty the Queen gave her first Christmas message from the same desk and chair that her father and grandfather had used. She pledged to carry on the tradition of Christmas broadcasts and thanked people for their loyalty and affection. She has delivered broadcasts from Sandringham, New Zealand, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. As technology progressed, she moved the broadcast from radio to television and then to HD, and often incorporates additional footing.
This year, the Queen’s annual Christmas message will be delivered from Windsor Castle—which is the same location as her two previous addresses of 2020. Last year, in 2019, the Queen said it is “the small steps, not the giant leaps” that bring about lasting change in the world. This was a reference to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and our own roles in doing good in the world. As always, her message is both timely and utterly timeless.
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