Queen Elizabeth II watches the recording of her Christmas message with producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett (R). The speech will be broadcast to the Commonwealth in 3D for the first time in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
Queen Elizabeth II watches the recording of her Christmas message with producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett (R). The speech will be broadcast to the Commonwealth in 3D for the first time in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.
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The queen is greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron as she arrives at Number 10 Downing Street to attend the Government's weekly Cabinet meeting on December 18, 2012. It was a historic occasion because it is thought to mark the first time a monarch has attended such a session since Queen Victoria more than a century ago.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
The queen is greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron as she arrives at Number 10 Downing Street to attend the Government's weekly Cabinet meeting on December 18, 2012. It was a historic occasion because it is thought to mark the first time a monarch has attended such a session since Queen Victoria more than a century ago.
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The UK's Prince William and his pregnant wife the Duchess of Cambridge left a London hospital on December 6, 2012, four days after she was admitted for treatment for acute morning sickness. The royal couple are expecting their first child after 19 months of marriage. In a break with tradition, The Cambridges, are spending Christmas Day in Bucklebury, West Berkshire, with the Duchess's family.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
The UK's Prince William and his pregnant wife the Duchess of Cambridge left a London hospital on December 6, 2012, four days after she was admitted for treatment for acute morning sickness. The royal couple are expecting their first child after 19 months of marriage. In a break with tradition, The Cambridges, are spending Christmas Day in Bucklebury, West Berkshire, with the Duchess's family.
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The monarch views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London. The royal couple viewed banknotes, counterfeit currency, a gold vault and met with gold experts while on their visit to the central bank.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
The monarch views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London. The royal couple viewed banknotes, counterfeit currency, a gold vault and met with gold experts while on their visit to the central bank.
Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London, England.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
Queen Elizabeth II views stacks of gold as she visits the Bank of England with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on December 13, 2012 in London, England.
Getty Images
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, speaks alongside young people for the Centrepoint charity at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 8, 2012. The prince, 30, also met with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic at the Winter Whites Gala.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, speaks alongside young people for the Centrepoint charity at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 8, 2012. The prince, 30, also met with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic at the Winter Whites Gala.
AFP/Getty Images
Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, promotes the Dutch edition of her book 'Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities for Families and Friends' to be released in October.
UK royal Christmas preparations 2012 —
Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, promotes the Dutch edition of her book 'Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities for Families and Friends' to be released in October.
AFP/Getty Images