Queen Elizabeth II in her annual Christmas broadcast at Windsor Castle.Credit:Getty Images
"The challenges many people face today may be different to those once faced by my generation,but I have been struck by how new generations have brought a similar sense of purpose to issues such as protecting our environment and our climate,"she said.
During her annual address,the Queen,93,acknowledged the "bumpy" path her family and the country has faced during the past 12 months,but mentioned some of the positives - such as the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan's first child.
She highlighted how often"small steps,not the giant leaps"bring about lasting change in the world - the theme of her Christmas Day broadcast.
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The Queen said the Christmas message of peace and goodwill still has relevance today - a comment which follows a year of bitter debates in parliament and the country over Brexit.
The message was a reminder of what can be achieved when people abandon their differences and"come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation",she said.
Her words are likely to be interpreted as an appeal for the healing of divisions in the country as Britain leaves the EU.