When Prince Philip dies in April 2021, the Queen and Prince Philip will have been married for 73 years. While the Queen has said little about His Royal Highness Prince Philip's death, other royals have shared many anecdotes about his mischievous side and warmth in various remarks and appearances throughout the year.

However, in her annual Christmas Day speech to the Commonwealth, the Queen mentioned the obituary by placing a framed photograph of her and her husband on her desk. For many people, Christmas is a very happy and cheerful time of year, but for those who have lost a loved one, it is a painful one. This year especially, I understand why."

She then spoke of her "beloved Philip" and what it meant to her to hear the many tributes that have been paid to him since his passing. She said, "I take great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work from around the country, the Commonwealth, and the world."

She then spent some time mentioning the qualities many remember about the late Duke of Edinburgh: "His spirit of service, his intellectual curiosity, and his ability to extract enjoyment from any situation were all irrepressible. His mischievousness, his curiosity, and his ability to extract enjoyment from any situation were irreplaceable. I know he would have wanted us to enjoy Christmas just as much as I and my family miss him."

She went on to talk about the Christmas season, saying that amid the recent Covid surge, Christmas will not bring back the peace and quiet, but she hopes people will stay safe. She also paid tribute to Prince Philip's environmental work, noting that his activist torch is now being carried by his family.

She concluded by welcoming her new great-grandchildren (Lilibet, Sienna, August, and Lucas) and offering a message of hope. She said, "For me and my family, there is joy at Christmas, even if this year lacks one familiar laugh.

This speech is regarded as one of the Queen's most personal Christmas speeches, and rightly so. The Queen created a beautiful moment of reflection for her late husband and for all those who have lost loved ones this year.