英国女王简介[精选合集]

第一篇：英国女王简介

英国女王简介

1st: 玛丽一世

玛丽一世，(Mary I, 1516年2月18日~1558年11月17日)英格兰和爱尔兰女王(理论上她是从1553年7月6日, 实际上从7月19日在位一直到1558年11月17日她去世时)。她是都铎王朝的第四任也是倒数第二位君主。她主要事迹是曾努力把英国从新教恢复到罗马天主教(1555年)。为此，她曾处决了差不多三百个反对者。于是而被称为「血腥玛丽」(Bloody Mary)。从此以后，Bloody Mary在英语中就成了女巫的同义词。但是她的宗教政策在很大程度上被她的继任者伊莉莎白一世所颠倒。

2nd: 伊莉莎白一世

伊莉莎白一世(Elizabeth I，1533年9月7日出生于格林尼治，即今日伦敦的格林尼治，1603年3月24日逝世于萨里)，于1558年11月17日至1603年3月24日任英格兰和爱尔兰女王，是都铎王朝的第五位也是最后一位君主。她终身未嫁，因此被称为「童贞女王」。她即位时英格兰处于内部因宗教分裂的混乱状态，但她不但成功地保持了英格兰的统一，而且在经过近半个世纪的统治后，使英格兰成为欧洲最强大，富有的国家之一。英格兰文化也在此期间达到了一个顶峰，涌现出了诸如莎士比亚，培根这样的著名人物。英国在北美的殖民地亦在此期间开始确立。她的统治期在英国历史上被称为「伊莉莎白时期」，亦称为「黄金时代」。

3nd: 安妮女王

安妮女王(Anne of Great Britain 又译为安女王，1665年2月6日~1714年8月1日)，英国女王。安妮是詹姆斯二世与王后安妮·海德的次女。1683年，与丹麦王子乔治结婚。1701年，英国议会通过「嗣位法」，安妮成为威廉三世的继承人。1702年，安妮即位为英国女王。1707年，英格兰议会与苏格兰议会合并，实现两个国家真正的联合。由于安妮身体虚弱和无后嗣的忧虑，托利党领袖、国务大臣博林布洛克子爵曾与安妮的弟弟、老王位觊觎者詹姆斯·爱德华联系，希望他能以放弃天主教信仰来换取王位继承权，但遭到拒绝。1714年，安妮女王在驾崩前任命施鲁斯伯里公爵为政(蟹)府中至关重要的财政大臣，确保了王位由信仰新教的汉诺瓦选帝侯乔治继承。

4th:维多利亚女王

维多利亚女王(Alexandrina Victoria 1819年5月24日 ~1901年1月22日)是英国在位时间最长的君主，也是第一个以「大不列颠和爱尔兰联合王国女王」和「印度女皇」名号称呼的英国君主。她在位的63年期间(1837年6月20日~1901年1月22日，是英国最强盛的所谓「日不落帝国」时期，她在位期间直到她去世后，到第一次世界大战开始的1914年，英国都称为「维多利亚时代」，1914年以后，英国开始走向衰落。

5th: 伊莉莎白二世

伊莉莎白二世(Elizabeth II，1926年4月21日~)，全名伊莉莎白·亚历山德拉·玛丽·温莎(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)，现任英国君主，是英国,英联邦(The Commonwealth)以及15个成员国的国家元首，同时也是英国国教会的最高首领。她的头衔全称为「托上帝洪福，大不列颠及北爱尔兰联合王国与其属土及领地之女皇伊莉莎白二世，英联邦元首，国教(圣公会)信仰的保护者」.她于1952年2月6日加冕，是目前在位时间第二长的国家元首，在她作为国家元首的国度中大约生活着1.25亿人。

备注：港英时期的香港，因为其宗主国的关系，加上广府话的“王”与“皇”同音，在一般场合会称呼“英王”作“英皇”和“英女王”作“英女皇”，但正式的翻译应为国王(King)和女王(Queen)，而非皇帝(Emperor)和女皇(Empress)。现在很多媒体(包括官方的)和个人也会把如今的英国君主伊丽莎白二世称作“英女皇”，实际是不严谨的，因为一来她本人并没有获此头衔，二来大英帝国已经解体，即使想要成为女皇都没有帝国了，而如今英国只是王国，女性君主只能是“女王”而不是“女皇”;不过鉴于使用习惯，仍然可以“英女皇”称之。

第二篇：英国女王演讲稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons，I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.本篇文章来源于爱英语吧_英语学习网站(http://

第三篇：英国女王 演讲

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons，议长、上议院和下议院的各位议员们：

I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.对上议院和下议院两位议长表示忠诚的演讲和慷慨陈词，我十分感激。

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.这个伟大的制度，在有其历史以来，一直处于国家和人民生活的核心。作为国会议员，你们与你们的先辈一样，在自己所处时代的法律和决策中，发挥着基础作用。国会作为我们宪法和生活中一块不可动摇的基石存留下来。

History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.君主和国会贯彻了历史，就像一个时代与下一个时代的一条纽带。所以，在一个做些特别的事，比那些常规的、有价值的生活节奏更吸引人眼球的时代，我可以肯定自己是仅有的第二位庆祝“钻石大庆”的君主。

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.像今天一样，我很荣幸地曾在25周年和50周年纪念时向你们讲话。10年前，你们当中许多人都出席了，而一些人将回忆起1977年时的场景。自从我登基后，就成为威斯敏斯特宫的定期访客，据最新统计，很高兴我已经与12位首相进行了交流。

Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.在此期间，你们可以看到，一个老人的宝贵经历可以成为公共部门的有力指导，但非成功的必要条件。因此，我非常高兴在许多年轻的国会议员面前讲话，同样，我也非常高兴在那些把许多背景和经历带到你们极为重要的、国家工作中去的人们面前讲话。

During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.在位的这些年，家人给予了我几十年来极大的支持。我认为，菲利普亲王因为谢绝各种赞美而闻名。但他一直给予我力量和指引。在“钻石大庆”之年，威尔士亲王以及家族其他成员代表我出去访问英联邦王国和联邦内的许多其他国家，对此他和我都感到很自豪和表示感谢。

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.这些海外之旅提醒着我们与占据了世界三分之一人口的联邦国家之间的密切关系。我与联邦国家的交往，让我知道，国家之间最重要的联系是其人民之间的经常联系。作为致力于特定价值观的组织，联邦通过成功地促进并保护这种联系而得以繁荣和发展。

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.在国内，菲利普亲王和我将到各地去访问。我真诚地希望“钻石大庆”是一次机会，让人民以和睦友好的态度聚在一起，为他们自己的社区庆祝。

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.我们还希望庆祝全国数百万人为公共利益而提供的专业和志愿服务。他们是给予他人福利和安乐重要支持的源泉，但常常都不被看到或是被忽略。

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.当我们回顾公共服务时，让我们再一次注意我们的军队所做的重大牺牲和所表现出的勇气。在这过去60年中，可能确实发生了很多变化，但是那些为了防卫和我们的自由而将生命置于危险之中的人的英勇之气却依然清晰可见。

The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.我与国会之间有着良好的关系，这个关系并不仅仅体现在我已签署付诸法律效率的3,500多个法案。因此，呈在我面前的这个美妙礼物让我感动，你们许多人都为此做了慷慨捐献。这块漂亮的玻璃窗将让这座古老的宫殿接收到更多的阳光照射。我对这个安排很满意。

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.在这里，我们想到我们的过去，我们国家历史中的一幕幕，以及创造了这些诸如乐观、机智、宽容的美德。我有幸见证了历史中的一段，并在我的家人的支持下，在现在以及未来若干年，继续服务于我们伟大的国家和人民。

原文链接：http://

第四篇：英国女王演讲稿

英国女王登基60周年演讲稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organization dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighborliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and well being of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the value of those who risk their lives for the defense and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra color to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.2012年女王演讲稿 This past year has been one of great celebration for many.The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations.But perhaps most striking of all was to witness the strength of fellowship and friendship among those who had gathered together on these occasions.Prince Philip and I were joined by our family on the River Thames as we paid tribute to those who have shaped the United Kingdom's past and future as a maritime nation, and welcomed a wonderful array of craft, large and small, from across the Commonwealth.On the barges and the bridges and the banks of the river there were people who had taken their places to cheer through the mist, undaunted by the rain.That day there was a tremendous sense of common determination to celebrate, triumphing over the elements.That same spirit was also in evidence from the moment the Olympic flame arrived on these shores.The flame itself drew hundreds and thousands of people on its journey around the British Isles, and was carried by every kind of deserving individual, many nominated for their own extraordinary service.As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe, supported and comforted.For many, Christmas is also a time for coming together.But for others, service will come first.Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends, will be missing those they love.And those who have lost loved ones may find this day especially full of memories.That's why it's important at this time of year to reach out beyond our familiar relationships to think of those who are on their own.At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story.A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar.They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'.He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.It is my prayer this Christmas Day that His example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: 'What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;if I were a wise man, I would do my part'.The carol gives the answer 'Yet what I can I give him-give my heart'.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2013年女王演讲稿 I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back.He read a lot, and thought a lot, and felt miserable.Later, he realized this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.Be it through contemplation, prayer, or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.Reflection can take many forms.When families and friends come together at Christmas, it's often a time for happy memories and reminiscing.Our thoughts are with those we have loved who are no longer with us.We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be at home for Christmas, such as workers in essential or emergency services.And especially at this time of year we think of the men and women serving overseas in our armed forces.We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear;they have an enduring value which spans the generations.I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day 60 years earlier.The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the Coronation, many of them for the better;and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighborliness.But reflection is not just about looking back.I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its way across 70 nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer.Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life.My son Charles summed this up at the recent meeting in Sri Lanka.He spoke of the Commonwealth's 'family ties' that are a source of encouragement to many.Like any family there can be differences of opinion.But however strongly they're expressed they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again.As with all who are christened, George was baptized into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service.After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph.It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.In the year ahead, I hope you will have time to pause for moments of quiet reflection.As the man in the plaster cast discovered, the results can sometimes be surprising.For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God's love, as we strive daily to become better people.The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone.There is no one beyond its reach.On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection.Suddenly all this was to change.These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ – the first noel – the joy of which we celebrate today.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2014年女王演讲稿

In the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral is a sculpture of a man and a woman reaching out to embrace each other.The sculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossed Europe on foot after the war to find her husband.Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation.Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the First World War came together to remember in peace.The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London drew millions, and the only possible reaction to seeing them and walking among them was silence.For every poppy a life;and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind.No one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrifice of all those in the armed forces who serve and protect us today.In 1914, many people thought the war would be over by Christmas, but sadly by then the trenches were dug and the future shape of the war in Europe was set.But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today.Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met in No Man's Land.Photographs were taken and gifts exchanged.It was a Christmas truce.Truces are not a new idea.In the ancient world a truce was declared for the duration of the Olympic Games and wars and battles were put on hold.Sport has a wonderful way of bringing together people and nations, as we saw this year in Glasgow when over 70 countries took part in the Commonwealth Games.It is no accident that they are known as the Friendly Games.As well as promoting dialogue between nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within each day's events.As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions.The benefits of reconciliation were clear to see when I visited Belfast in June.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.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.Of course, reconciliation takes different forms.In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief;and bridging these differences will take time.Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk.For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord.But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women.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.

第五篇：2016英国女王致辞

英国女王2016年圣诞致辞

There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them.But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.Throughout the Commonwealth there were equally joyful celebrations.Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and New Zealand won more medals per head of population than any other countries.Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations.Inspiration fed their aspiration;and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day.But to be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals.I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours;unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta.She once said: 'Not all of us can do great things.But we can do small things with great love'.This has been the experience of two remarkable organisations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year.These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall.Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved;to championing music and dance;providing animal welfare;or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength.In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in.But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago.It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far.He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives.I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.'The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.