Britain’s Queen Elizabeth praised ”the strength of fellowship” shown at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The 86-year-old monarch – who celebrated 60 years on the throne this year – used her annual Christmas Day (25.12.12) television message to speak of her joy at how the whole country got involved with the four-day event.
She said: ”This past year has been one of great celebration for many. The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family. It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.
”People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations. But perhaps most striking of all was to witness the strength of fellowship and friendship among those who had gathered together on these occasions.”
The queen also praised the ”army of volunteers” at the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which were held in London.
She said: ”We were reminded too that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree on the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.
”Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping other safe, supported and comforted.”