Family theme for Queen's speech

© Reuters/David Moir

This year's Queen's Christmas message has focused on the strength of family, friends and the community working together.

The family is an important institution for the monarch who is not only head of state but a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen herself and usually reflects current issues and draws on her own experiences over the past year.

The speech is one of the rare occasions when she is able to voice her own views rather than rely on the Government for advice.

The last 12 months have seen some historic events for the Queen - from her visit to the Republic of Ireland to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.