As we approach the setting of the sun on a turbulent year for so many, how telling it was that the Queen signed off with a hopeful message for the future.
At 95 she still has an extraordinary zest for life and an unmatched enthusiasm at the prospect of what younger generations can achieve, both from within her family and beyond.
This past year has without question been one of her most testing of her near 70 year reign.
The loss of her beloved husband had added to the heartbreak of witnessing the destruction of relations within her family, marked by allegations of abandonment and racism by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, which have left wounds that will be hard to heal.
The added distress caused by her son Prince Andrew’s legal case in the United States, centred on lurid claims of sexual assault, also threaten to mar her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
But her Christmas message this year shall be remembered for the abundance of hope it carried, for a time where the pandemic that has interfered for so long will become a faded memory.
For the Queen to speak so intimately on not only her cherished reflections of her late husband, but also of her personal grief that had brought her a greater understanding of those who have lost loved ones, must not be diminished.
It could even be said that she, as head of an often archaic institution, may have even in her advanced years learnt new lessons from that younger generation - namely her grandson Prince William and his wife Kate who continue to impress and bring the monarchy into a new found relevance.
Their efforts to advance the reputation of the family with their personal crusade on mental health as well as recognising the benefits of togetherness of family and of society, has been immensely laudable and convinced the Queen the future is in safe hands.
In a few weeks celebrations to recognise the Queen’s enormous contribution to our nation and the Commonwealth will begin and as Her Majesty said herself, we all hope this new dawn will bring with it the opportunity for people everywhere to come together in a way we have missed for so long.
