Queen Elizabeth channels ‘Star Wars’ in her annual Christmas radio address

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth sits at a desk in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace, London, after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth, in London.

William and Kate, who left children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at home, chatted with Prince Harry while entering St. Mary Magdalene Church, accompanying Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who were smiling as they walked into church.

The Queen’s annual Christmas message was also broadcast on Friday, offering an optimistic message after a year that’s seen terror attacks and a migrant crisis.

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated Christmas Day with a traditional church service and a message of hope, stressing in her annual address that light can overcome darkness.

Despite these “moments of darkness”, the Queen said in the pre-recorded speech, there is reason for hope.

Few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, she added, acknowledging that the Christmas tree was introduced to Britain at least partly by her great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

PETER NICHOLLS/REUTERS Prince Harry also attended the services.

Earlier Prince William said the family would be in for a challenging Christmas thanks to Prince George.

The monarch, who wore a white and silver tweed day dress by Angela Kelly, went on to mention the latest addition to her family: “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree”.

For millions of British families, gathering around the television after Christmas lunch to watch the queen’s speech is as much of a festive tradition as turkey, crackers and presents. “And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun”, said the Queen. Although it is not an easy message to follow, we shouldn’t be discouraged; rather, it inspires us to try harder: “to be thankful for the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives, and to look for ways of spreading that love to others, whenever and wherever we can”.

Elizabeth, 89, the head of the Church of England, quoted the Bible and spoke of millions of people lighting candles of hope.