In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II broadcast a Christmas message using the relatively new medium of television.
In 2007, she will use YouTube as one means to send out her 50th Christmas message to people in Britain, Canada, other Commonwealth countries and the world.
"The Queen always keeps abreast with new ways of communicating with people," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "The Christmas message was podcast last year."
There will also be a podcast this year, and for the first time, the Christmas message will be available in high-definition television.
"She has always been aware of reaching more people and adapting the communication to suit. This will make the Christmas message more accessible to younger people and those in other countries."
The Royal Channel page on YouTube is branded "The Royal Channel -- The Official Channel of the British Monarchy."
One is greeted by a photo of Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence in London, flanked by guards in trademark red tunics and bearskin hats.
A visitor can watch the Queen's first Christmas TV message.
"I very much hope that this new medium will make my Christmas message more personal and direct. That it is possible for some of you to see me today is just another example of the speed at which things are changing all around us," the queen said of television in 1957.
Monarchists will find a wealth of material, including video of:
- Garden parties
- State video
- Snippets of British prime ministers
- A day in the life of Prince Charles
The film "Long To Reign Over Us," by Lord Wakehurst, has never been publicly released. However, the channel carries excerpts.
His movie shows historical events like the Queen on Coronation Day from the public's perspective.
One can also find some rare silent news footage of the 1923 wedding of the Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon -- the Queen's parents.
With files from The Associated Press
