Queen's Christmas speech emphasises reconciliation

She spoke of the impact of the Scottish independence referendum, and also paid tribute to the moment German and British soldiers put down their weapons and met on Christmas Day 1914.
"Sometimes it seems reconciliation stands little chance... but the Christmas truce reminds us peace and goodwill have lasting power," she said.
The royals earlier attended church.
In her speech, the head of state said Christ's example taught her to "respect and value all people of whatever faith or none".
She said many felt "great disappointment" and others "great relief" after the Scottish vote which rejected independence, and "bridging these differences will take time".
In contrast, the Queen said she was reminded that Northern Ireland had already begun the journey to heal divisions when she visited a Belfast prison turned visitor attraction centre in

June.
he began her speech by talking about a sculpture of a man and woman embracing by Josefina de Vasconcellos and called Reconciliation.
"While my tour of the set of Game Of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will remain vividly in my mind," she said.
"What was once a prison during the Troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose; a reminder of what is possible when people reach out to one another, rather like the couple in the sculpture."
As the Queen spoke, footage of the visit was shown including the monarch walking through the famous building with Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness - both of whom spent time in its cells in the 1970s or 1980s.

She described sport as a "wonderful way of bringing together people and nations" and this year's Commonwealth Games, staged in Glasgow during the summer, was highlighted as an example.
Images of injured servicemen and women and veterans who took part in the Invictus Games, organised by Prince Harry, were shown competing.
The Queen also reflected on the ceramic poppy tribute to World War One casualties and those who are helping to tackle the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
The hugely popular poppy installation at the Tower of London was "a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind", she said.
The monarch also revealed how she had been "deeply touched" by those who treated victims of Ebola.
The Queen described how the life of Jesus Christ was an "inspiration and an anchor in my life".
"Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none," she said.
As the Royal Marines band played to signal the end of the address, the Queen said: "On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line.
"That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.
"A very happy Christmas to you all."