New appointment to the Order of Merit

You young people are needed; there is a great task ahead of you - the building of a new world.

We know the reward is peace on earth, goodwill toward men, but we cannot win it without determination and concerted effort.

Year by year, our families change and grow up. So does our Commonwealth family.

For that child was to show that there is nothing in heaven and earth that cannot be achieved by faith and by love and service to one's neighbour.

Although the contribution which any one person can make is small, it is real and important.

As the old year passes, let us celebrate Christmas with thanksgiving and carry its message of peace and good will into the year ahead.

Every year I look forward to opening the letters, parcels and telegrams that come to me from all parts of the world.

Twenty-five years ago my grandfather broadcast the first of these Christmas messages. Today is another landmark because television has made it possible for many of you to see...

Common ideals and hopes, not formal bonds, unite the members of the Commonwealth and promote that association between them which, in my belief, has contributed significantly...

Neither the long and troubled centuries that have passed since that child was born, nor the complex scientific developments of our age, have done anything to dim the simple...

I always feel that just for these few minutes, the march of history stops while we listen to each other, and think of each other, on Christmas Day.

At the same time I want to show that the Crown is not merely an abstract symbol of our unity but a personal and living bond between you and me.

The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.

Throughout this memorable day I have been uplifted and sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts and prayers were with me.

Since my accession ten months ago, your loyalty and affection have been an immense support and encouragement. I want to take this Christmas Day, my first opportunity, to thank...

I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.

And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.