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REX/ZUMA
UK News

Queen's Christmas message expected to be most Christian yet

According to sources close to the Queen, she will use her traditional annual address to reflect on her own faith as well as the place of Christianity in an increasingly secular society.

The Mail on Sunday has reported that she will talk of extremism too.

Ian Rutherford/PA Wire

Former Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali said: "Clearly extremism is a backdrop to anything that any public figure says at this time.

* Queen Elizabeth II 

* Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth 

* Reign: 6th February 1952 - present

* Heir: Prince Charles of Wales 

* September 2015: became longest-reigning monarch 

"If people in this country gave greater heed to what the Queen says about the importance of Christianity in our personal as well as our national life, then we would all be in a better place to confront it."

He continued: "The Queen will also be aware that Christians and others have faced unprecedented persecution over the last year in parts of the Middle East, and could even face extinction."

No one outside of the palace yet knows the content of the 2015 speech, however a source is claimed to have said: "Over the years we're seen greater emphasis on the Queen's faith and we're certain to see it in this year's Christmas broadcast. 

"There's a fundamental optimism which, to an extent, is driven by her faith in contrast to the overall gloom.

"She is driven by a deep and spirited faith."

Bishop Nazir-Ali said that: "The Queen was very aware of the need to express her faith clearly while also respecting other beliefs.

"There is pressure for the next Coronation to be multi-faith or no faith.

"My understanding is that it will actually be a Christian event, but obviously the Queen will want to reinforce that."

The Queen is the head of the Church of England and Christmas message will air at 3pm on Christmas day on BBC 1 and ITV.

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