Queen celebrates family

Good old 'Lizzie - Geez she's keeping on keeping well.

Family is of central importance to the 85-year-old mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and commentators will not be surprised she chose the topic after the events of 2011.

Prince William's wedding in April was watched by hundreds of millions across the world and was generally considered to have breathed new life into the monarchy.

In the Christmas message, the Queen also spoke about the "family" of the Commonwealth.

"Of course family does not necessarily mean blood relatives, but often a description of a community, organisation or nation," she said. "The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals."

She also spoke of her visit to Australia in October, paying tribute to those who experienced devastating floods in Queensland earlier this year.

"Indeed, sadly it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit," she said. "When Prince Phillip and I visited Australia this year, we saw for ourselves the effects of natural disaster in some of the areas devastated by floods."

The British royals are now preparing for a year of extensive travel to Commonwealth member states as part of the Queen's diamond jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.

Meanwhile, old 'Phil the greek' got chest pains and was taken to hospital where doctors inserted a 'stent' in his heart.  Get well soon, Phil!