MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Royal Christmas speech dedicated to troops serving in Afghanistan

Prince Harry laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall

Queen Elizabeth II used her Christmas speech to express sadness at the death toll among British troops in Afghanistan. The monarch offered her sympathy to the families of the 106 service personnel who have died this year.

She said the country owed a “profound debt of gratitude” to all Commonwealth troops who had served in Afghanistan.

The Queen also said the past 12 months had brought problems for many of her subjects, especially those affected by the economic downturn.

In her annual message to the nation, she said: “Each year that passes seems to have its own character. Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten.

”2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.

“I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there.

”Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss.“

The broadcast featured the town of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, which has come to symbolize the nation’s respect for fallen servicemen. Touching footage was shown of the July day when eight military coffins passed through the Wiltshire town which came to a standstill to honour the dead.

The number of British military deaths in Afghanistan this year stands at 106, the highest figure since the Falklands War in 1982.

The monarch said: ”But we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.

“Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are currently serving in Afghanistan.

”The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.“

Footage was show of the UK's main military base in Afghanistan, Camp Bastion, and the headquarters at Lashkar Gah in Helmand.

Prince Harry, an officer in the Household Cavalry, was shown laying wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall at this year remembrance ceremony.

The speech was recorded two weeks ago from the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen finished her address on an upbeat note, saying: ”We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.”

Earlier the Queen and other members of the Royal Family attended a Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

About 500 onlookers watched the arrival of the royals who included the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and princes William and Harry who are on leave from their military training as helicopter pilots.

The Princess Royal, the Duke of York and his daughters princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex also attended.

After the service, which was led by Sandringham rector Jonathan Riviere, children lined up to give the Queen flowers.

Members of the royal party greeted well-wishers before walking back to Sandringham House.