[Assam] Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II delivers her annual Christmas message

[Rini Kakati]

The Queen has used her Christmas speech to express her sadness at the death toll among UK troops in Afghanistan. 
The monarch offered her sympathy to the families of the 106 service personnel who have died this year. 

 

She said the country owed a "profound debt of gratitude" to all Commonwealth troops who had served in Afghanistan. 

 

The Queen also said the past 12 months had brought problems for many of her subjects, especially those affected by the economic downturn. 

 

Difficult year

In her annual address to the nation, she said: "Each year that passes seems to have its own character. Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten. 

 

"2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn. 

 

"I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there. 

 

"Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss." 

 

'Positive contribution'

The broadcast featured the town of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, where members of the public line the streets to pay their respects to fallen service personnel returned to the UK. 

 

The number of British military deaths in Afghanistan this year stands at 106, the highest figure since the Falklands War in 1982. 

 

The monarch said: "But we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies. 

"Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are currently serving in Afghanistan. 

 

"The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound." 

 

Listen & watch: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00phhz6/The_Queen_2009/

 

Rini Kakati
 		 	   		  
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