LONDON — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II praises Britons who get active in parks, pools and playing fields in her annual Christmas message to the nation.
In her festive broadcast, the 84-year-old monarch extols the role of sports in building communities, developing social skills and “providing a different perspective on life.”
“In the parks of towns and cities, and on village greens up and down the country, countless thousands of people every week give up their time to participate in sport and exercise of all sorts, or simply encourage others to do so,” she says in an excerpt released by Buckingham Palace.
The queen has made a Christmas broadcast on radio since 1952 and on television since 1957. She writes the speeches herself. The message will air Christmas Day on radio, TV and the royal family’s YouTube channel: /user/TheRoyalChannel. The Associated Press
