Queen sends Christmas message to UK troops

Queen Elizabeth sent a special Christmas message to British troops ahead of her annual festive address.

The radio recording, believed to be the first of its kind during the Queen's 52-year reign, especially praised those serving abroad.

"The conflict in Iraq has dominated the headlines at home but I am only too aware that whilst many of you have been deployed there, others have been working tirelessly in many other theatres," she said.

"Wherever you are, I would like to express my gratitude for your service this year and I send each and every one of you my good wishes for Christmas and the New Year."

Later on Christmas morning the Queen and other members of the royal family will attend a Christmas church service on the royal estate at Sandringham in Norfolk, eastern England.

The Queen's main Christmas address will focus on "tolerance and respect in a changing world", Buckingham Palace said.

The broadcast will also be distributed throughout the Commonwealth and will be available on the Internet.

-Reuters