Worries about the global economy and violence across the world have turned the celebration of Christmas into a more somber affair this year, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday. Britain, like many other developed nations, is facing the risk of a prolonged recession. Unemployment is rising fast, household high street firms are collapsing and several big banks are only able to stay in business with government help. There has also been an increase in the number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan in recent weeks, just as troops in Iraq prepare to come home next year. “Christmas is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more somber occasion for many,” the Queen said. “People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home.” But, in her annual Christmas broadcast which dates back to 1957 and is watched by millions across Britain and the Commonwealth, the 82-year-old said those with courage would work hard to survive and improve their lot. “When life seems hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future,” she said, standing by a piano adorned with pictures of her family. This year has been eventful for the royal family, with Prince Harry — third in line to the throne — fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan for 10 weeks, an inquest into the death of Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ 60th birthday. The Queen paid tribute to Britain’s armed forces but also singled out for praise her eldest son and heir, Charles, accompanied by previously unseen footage of the prince playing with his mother as a small child. “We feel great pride in seeing our family make their own unique contributions to society,” she said. “Through his charities, the Prince of Wales has worked to support young people and other causes for the benefit of the wider community.”

While it may not want to be the message that folks want to hear on an occasion like Xmas, I think it was prudent for the Queen to address the issues of the day in the manner in which she did. The prospects are gloomy for everyone in the world, none of us are untouched by the degrading state of the economy, and violence still threatens us at almost every turn. Queen Elizabeth has a way of delivering this sort of serious message with a resoluteness that instills confidence in people. After the jump, watch her Xmas Address in full for yourselves …

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Prince Charles celebrated his 60th birthday Friday with military gun salutes and a string of parties, even if he passes the milestone with little sign of an end to his long wait to be king. The heir to the throne has been marking the big day all week, with a star-studded comedy show Wednesday and a black-tie gala Thursday, but spent Friday meeting young people in London. During a visit to youth projects led by his Prince’s Trust charity, he was presented with a birthday cake decorated with a mocked-up old person’s travel pass — Londoners aged over 60 can travel free on public transport. Later at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, 180 school children — and his wife Camilla — sang “Happy Birthday” as part of a celebratory concert which also featured a performance by his official harpist, Claire Jones. His birthday Friday was also marked with a 41-gun salute in London’s Hyde Park — a special tribute from Queen Elizabeth II — and another 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. This followed Thursday’s dinner thrown by the queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace attended by over 400 European royalty and friends including King Constantine and Queen Anne Marie of Greece and singer Shirley Bassey. His sons by princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, paid tribute to their father at the event, saying he was “an inspiration to us and so many others.” The princes also joked that because of their father’s age, they were having an electric chairlift installed at his country home, Highgrove in Gloucestershire. The palace spectacular will be followed by a more informal party thrown on Saturday by Camilla, with rock star Rod Stewart performing. The celebrations kicked-off Wednesday with a comedy night at a southwest London theatre, with stars including Robin Williams, “Mr Bean” star Rowan Atkinson and “Monty Python” veteran John Cleese. “What better tribute to the heir to the throne of this formerly great country that we should bring him tonight to this cramped old theatre somewhere in the God-foresaken suburbs?” Cleese quipped. At an age when many are considering retirement, Charles is still waiting to succeed the queen, who remains on the throne at 82 years old and shows few signs of slowing down. But he sounded philosophical as he reflected on his landmark birthday. “It is all in the hands of the good Lord as to whether I survive or am vaguely compos mentis,” he told a BBC documentary to mark the date. “Our life is so short and insignificant in the great scheme of things.” Asked if he enjoyed his role, he replied: “I don’t know. Well, there’s bits of it,” he added. “It is something that I feel I must do to help as many other people as I possibly can and this country.”

A new poll out in the UK says that a majority of people believe that Prince Charles is not too old to become king at his age and that they really respect all of his charity work. While I, personally, would love to see Prince William ascend to the throne, I think Charles should get some time in the big chair when the need arises (Wills will get his turn). In any event, here’s hoping that Prince Charles has a great birthday weekend and a happy birthday overall!

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Singer Kylie Minogue has been formally appointed OBE by the Prince of Wales at a Buckingham Palace ceremony. The 40-year-old, best known for hits including I Should Be So Lucky and Spinning Around, was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2005. Minogue, who wore a cream-coloured dress decorated with large stars, said it was “overwhelming” and “emotional”. “I knew I would be nervous. I was very excited and to have my family here was magical,” she said. Minogue, who chatted to other guests at the investiture, said: “I do feel very proud. I think my job, aside from making music, is about communication and this symbolises my communication with my audience around the world.” She said she was “slightly less nervous” about meeting Prince Charles because the two had met before. “He asked me what I’m up to at the moment and said he is happy to see me better,” the singer added. Of her medal, she said: “I’ll admire it for a while, and then keep it safe in its box” … In May she received France’s highest cultural honour, the Order of Arts and Letters.

This from the Times Online: Commenting on the experience, she said: “It was surprisingly emotional. I expected to be a little nervous, obviously very excited, but it was very emotional seeing all these people from different walks of life joining together for this event.” Taking in the lavish decorations, she said: “I’m imagining our family, when we were kids, saying to me, ‘One day you’re going to go to the Palace’. That would not have been believable.” She added: “It is an incredible honour for me to receive this award. It makes me feel both humble and proud to be recognised for doing a job that I love so much.” Minogue was joined at the Royal residence by her parents, former ballet dancer Carol and accountant Ron, and her sister X Factor judge Dannii, who rushed to Buckingham Palace from filming auditions for the TV talent show.

What an incredible honor … she was already recognized for her cultural impact in France and today she is honored in Great Britain. It’s very unfortunate that folks in our country have no idea how much of a megastar Kylie is in the rest of the world. CNN covered this award ceremony on their site but had to devote a portion of the copy to a bit of a “history lesson” for US readers who are still unfamiliar with Kylie Minogue and her accomplishments. Much congrats and love goes out to Kylie on this very happy day for her. I am literally counting down the days until I will be able to see Kylie in concert with my very own eyes on July 26. It’s been a long time coming, I can’t hardly wait.

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