One month after celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary, Queen Elizabeth II sent a Christmas message promoting the values of close family.
The annual message released Christmas Day began with a 1957 clip of the Queen -- during her first Christmas message broadcast on television -- marveling over the speed of progress.
Today's message was the first to be released on YouTube, another significant communication advancement seen during her 55 year reign.
"One of the features of growing old is the heightened awareness of change," she said in the seven-minute message to the Commonwealth.
"To remember what happened 50 years ago means it is possible to appreciate what has changed in the meantime. It also makes you aware of what has remained constant.
"In my experience, the positive value of a happy family is one of the factors of human existence that has not changed," she said.
A new page on YouTube branded "The Royal Channel -- The Official Channel of the British Monarchy" will make the message available as it is broadcast to England, Canada and other Commonwealth nations.
Her first television message is also available on the site.
In Tuesday's message, the Queen went on to request people reach out to those who are less fortunate and remember those who are serving the country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
She appealed to her subjects to consider those on the edges of society. She cited the story of Mary and Joseph being forced to give birth to Jesus in a stable as "a family that had been shut out."
"Today, of course, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Among other things, it is a reminder that it is the story of a family, but of a family in very distressed circumstances," she said.
Everyone should contribute time, talent or possessions to those less fortunate and unable to enjoy "the full benefits of living in a civilized and law abiding community," she said.
She later turned her attention to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying they "deserve our thoughts this Christmas."
"I pray that all of you who are missing those who are dear to you will find strength and comfort in your families and friends," she said.
It includes an assortment of videos shot during her diamond anniversary party featuring Princes William and Harry, Camilla Parker Bowles and members of her extended family.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had their 60th anniversary on Nov. 20, and celebrated two days earlier, with a family dinner hosted by their son, Prince Charles, at Clarence House.
Footage of praying British soldiers stationed in Afghanistan on Remembrance Day accompanies her prayer.
She ended her message by asking listeners to remember the poor, hungry and oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, as well as the lonely and the unloved.
"Wherever these words find you, and in whatever circumstances, I want to wish you all a blessed Christmas," she said.
