Recording of Queen’s Christmas speech ‘delayed by Brexit uncertainty’

Monarch’s annual message is expected to focus on impact of coronavirus pandemic

Queen Elizabeth and members of the Royal family appeared in public to thank local volunteers and key workers in Windsor earlier this week (REUTERS)

The recording of the Queen’s Christmas speech has reportedly been delayed due to uncertainty around the negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal.

Trade talks with the EU are set to go down to the wire after Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed to continue negotiations and step back from a no-deal outcome on Sunday.

The lack of clarity around what sort of relationship the UK will have with the EU on 1 January has apparently caused problems for Buckingham Palace’s annual Christmas broadcast, according to a report in The Sun.

A source told the newspaper: “Normally she films it in early December, certainly by the middle of the month, but this time it’s later than usual. There’s talk it could happen on Wednesday or Thursday.

“The country could be a very different place by then with us possibly leaving the EU without a deal.”

Buckingham Palace did not deny the report but said it would not comment on speculation about the broadcast.

The Queen has already addressed the nation three times this year to comment on the coronavirus pandemic and the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

It is expected that the monarch’s speech on Christmas Day will focus on the impact of Covid-19 and its effect on families who have been separated this year due to social distancing restrictions.

Earlier this week, Her Majesty was seen in public with her family for the first time since the start of the pandemic when she welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Windsor Castle.

The 94-year-old monarch was joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Princess Royal as they thanked local volunteers and key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.