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The royal family have released an image from the Queen’s annual Christmas address and the internet (as per usual) is reading very deeply into every tiny detail.
The focus is on some glaring omissions in the shot of the Queen sat at her desk surrounded by family photographs.
While she proudly displays photographs of her son Prince Charles with wife Camilla, grandson Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, along with their three children, as well as snaps of her hubby Prince Phillip and even King George IV, other family members are noticeably absent.
There is no photo of Prince Harry, wife Meghan Markle and their baby son Archie.
Prince Andrew is also nowhere to be seen.
What actually happens at a royal Christmas? Post continues after video.
“Merry Christmas! This year The Queen’s Speech was filmed in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. It will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 3pm GMT,” reads a Tweet containing the preview photo.
The tweet goes on to give a further glimpse of what she’ll say, with a focus on marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
“For the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them.
“By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost,” the tweet quotes.
But, the comments on the post aren’t really focused on the commemoration.
“A slimmed down Monarchy is what this photo is indicating,” writes one.
“She’s only reduced the family to the heirs of the throne,” wrote another.
“NO SUSSEXES! CUE THE OUTRAGE! When the photos are clearly of the Line of Succession, including her father, plus her husband,” suggests a third.
Whatever the truth of the matter is, there's no doubt the Queen's royal advisors would have guessed that the absent faces would cause a stir. They were, after all, front and centre with their own photograph during last year's address.
Prince Andrew's absence is perhaps a little more easy to speculate on. He is currently embroiled in the a sex trafficking scandal allegedly king-pinned by the late Jeffrey Epstein, who Andrew considered a friend.
The Prince has been accused of raping a 17-year-old girl three times between 2001 and 2002. Despite there being a photo of the pair, Prince Andrew told BBC Newsnight, "It didn't happen. I can absolutely categorically tell you it never happened.
"I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever."
He claims the photograph is doctored and gained intense criticism for the interview in which he showed no empathy for Epstein's victims - focusing only on how the matter had affected him.
In a press release from the palace's royal communications team as shared by Harpers Bazaar, Her Majesty's speech will explain the importance of resilience when it comes to her own life as well as her country.
"Small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding…," a quote from the address reads. "The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.”
The Sunday Times reports Prince George will have a starring role in the address in an effort to bring a bit of festive joy to the occasion - after what's been a tumultuous few months for the royal family.
The six-year-old will show off his cooking skills after helping his great-grandma make Christmas puddings for charity, footage of the activity will be included in the Queen's address.
Prince Harry, Meghan and baby Archie are skipping Christmas with the royal family this, ditching the Queen's traditional Christmas gathering at her Sandringham estate for some private time in Canada, with Meghan's mum.
The couple is taking a break from royal duties, and have been particularly critical this year of the intrusive press coverage of their young family.
The family did share a cute Christmas card online today, featuring an inquisitive Archie checking out the camera lens.
Prince William and Kate were also meant to release their Christmas card over the weekend, however it was leaked on social media before they could.
A recipient from one of the Duchess' patronages posted an image of the Christmas card she had received from the couple, on Twitter.
The other notable absence from Christmas this year will perhaps be Prince Phillip, who remains in hospital at the moment.
The 98-year-old's stay is being called "precautionary" only, with The Sun quoting his son Prince Charles as saying “He’s all right - once you get to that age, things don’t work as well.
The Mirror reports he's keen to make it home for the holiday, if he can.
Feature image: AAP.
Top Comments
The pictures are of the royals in direct line to the throne. Apart from Charles, the Queen's other three kids aren't featured either, nor are any of her many other grandkids aside from William. The sugars need to learn that Harry and Meghan's place in that pecking order is relatively minor - it's not a "snub" or "favouritism" so much as simply reflecting the reality of the situation.
People make such a big deal about tiny things, the Queen should mess with them next year. Display photos with Chris Hemsworth Photoshopped in, in place of William. Add extra fingers. Or a tail. Put an alien in the background.
While I appreciate the sentiment - I must warn you to keep Chris Hemsworth out of this Royal brouhaha.
You're crossing lines that should not be crossed!
"Everyone's" losing their minds? Really? Ok. 🙄