2020 has been a year like no other, so it was only fitting that the Queen's Christmas Speech was also a little bit different.
While her words were as perfectly planned and moving as normal, she scrapped her display of family photos in favour of a lone photo of Prince Phillip - who she spent lockdown with.
But she still paid tribute to her loved ones, shining light on their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic through video clips and photos shown throughout her annual broadcast.
Photos and clips from Prince Charles, Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagements were included, as well as pictures from Kate's Hold Still project.
But there was another, lesser known member of the family who featured this year.
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has become more prominent throughout the coronavirus crisis - and the Queen reflected this in her Christmas message.
Married to the Queen's youngest son Prince Edward, Sophie appeared at joint video call engagements with the Queen and Kate during the summer.
Royal sources insist the “dedicated and hard working” royal is “always busy” but has largely operated behind the scenes.
Insiders dubbed her “the royal family’s secret weapon” during the coronavirus crisis, quietly steadying the ship after a tumultuous period for The Firm.
She also stepped up when the family were short of senior members following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure and Prince Andrew stepping back due to his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Sophie was forced to self-isolate in October after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid.
Going forward, Sophie and Edward, who have two children, feature in the Queen's new version of 'The Firm' - who were pictured together for the first time earlier this month.
They join the Monarch, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Cambridges and Princess Ann in the new line up.
The collective will work together and help highlight each other’s causes as they aim to get back to full duties “as soon as possible”.
The arrangement fits with Prince Charles’s long term vision of a slimmed down monarchy as well as the Queen’s mantra of “one must be seen to be believed”.
The Queen's Speech was the most watched television programme broadcast on Christmas Day - beating the Strictly Come Dancing special and the nation's best-loved soaps.
It has been revealed that 8.2 million people tuned in to watch the Queen address the nation at 3pm on BBC One and ITV.
In the moving speech, the Queen expressed her pride and delight at the reaction many have shown during the pandemic.
She said: "Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer.
"Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
"In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit.
"To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played."
She also spoke about how the different Christmas many people faced this years, adding: "Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness, some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they'd really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand."
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