25 Dec 2017

Queen hails terror-hit cities

9:46 pm on 25 December 2017

Queen Elizabeth has used her annual Christmas message to pay tribute to London and Manchester for the way in which they dealt with this year's terror attacks.

Queen Elizabeth II poses at a desk in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II poses at a desk in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth. Photo: AFP

Looking back over 2017, she said both cities' "powerful identities" had "shone through" adversity.

The Queen also paid tribute to her husband Prince Philip, praising his "support and unique sense of humour".

The 96-year-old Duke of Edinburgh has been at the Queen's side throughout her 65 years on the throne, and has regularly grabbed the headlines with his off-colour comments.

He retired from regular royal duties over the summer, but has continued to make occasional appearances.

The message was pre-recorded at Buckingham Palace, and has already gone out to Commonwealth nations including New Zealand.