LIVE: Streaming Video on YouTube’s The Royal Channel

The Royal Channel on YouTube is hosting a live video feed of Prince William’s wedding to Catherine Middleton courtesy of the BBC.

Prince William Holds Engagement Photocall at St. James Palace

Prince William and Catherine Middleton made their first photocall appearance at St. James Palace after the engagement announcement this morning from Clarence House. The couple fielded some questions from reporters whilst dealing with the blinding flashes of many cameras.


Below is The Royal Channel’s YouTube video of Prince William’s engagement photocall at St. James Palace.

Photo: Reuters

Countess of Wessex Tours HMS Daring

The Countess of Wessex toured the HMS Daring on July 23rd in Portsmouth for its Commissioning Day. She is the sponsor of the warship. The countess first launched the elite T45 Destroyer at the BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun on February 1, 2006.

Below is The Royal Channel’s YouTube video clip of the Countess of Wessex’s visit on Commissioning Day of the HMS Daring.

The Princes’ Charities Forum Converges in the Lake District

Prince William partook of some charity work in the Lake District on July 24th. The three charities involved with his visit were Centrepoint, Mountain Rescue England and Wales and WellChild; they are affiliated with the Princes’ Charities Forum. The forum gives the groups the opportunity to concurrently work together.

Below is The Royal Channel’s YouTube video clip of Prince William’s visit to the Lake District on July 24th.

Prince William Praises Skill Force

Yesterday, The Royal Channel featured an exclusive clip of Prince William speaking about the charity Skill Force and his reason for accepting the role of Patron. He appeared at the Tower of London for a Skill Force event on July 6th.

Below is The Royal Channel’s YouTube exclusive clip of Prince William discussing the charity Skill Force.

Queen Elizabeth II’s 2008 Christmas Speech

Queen Elizabeth II’s annual Christmas speech focussed on the selfless service of those who have helped the nation or community. Some of the footage featured during her address included Prince Charles as a toddler whilst she recognized his charity work and his sixtieth birthday. At the close of her speech, the queen reminded her audience that it is better to serve and give in order to achieve contentment and happiness in one’s life by saying: “I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching. He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.I hope that the Christmas message will encourage and sustain you too, now and in the coming year.”

Below is The Royal Channel’s YouTube video of Queen Elizabeth II’s 2008 Christmas speech.


Below is the entire text of Queen Elizabeth II's 2008 Christmas speech.

“Christmas is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and, naturally, give rise to feelings of insecurity.”

“People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home. Once again, many of our service men and women are serving on operations in common cause to bring peace and security to troubled places.”

“In this ninetieth year since the end of the First World War, the last survivors recently commemorated the service and enormous sacrifice of their own generation. Their successors in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan are still to be found in harm’s way in the service of others. For their loved ones, the worry will never cease until they are safely home.”

“In such times as these we can all learn some lessons from the past. We might begin to see things in a new perspective. And certainly, we begin to ask ourselves where it is that we can find lasting happiness.”

“Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives; the kind of people who are generous with their talents or their time. There are those who use their prosperity or good fortune for the benefit of others whether they number among the great philanthropists or are people who, with whatever they have, simply have a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

“What they offer comes in the form of what can easily be recognised as service to the nation or service to the wider community. As often as not however, their unselfishness is a simply-taken-for-granted part of the life of their family or neighbourhood.”

“They tend to have some sense that life itself is full of blessings, and is a precious gift for which we should be thankful. When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”

“I think we have a huge amount to learn from individuals such as these. And what I believe many of us share with them is a source of strength and peace of mind in our families and friends. Indeed, Prince Philip and I can reflect on the blessing, comfort and support we have gained from our own family in this special year for our son, The Prince of Wales.”

“Sixty years ago, he was baptised here in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. As parents and grandparents, we feel great pride in seeing our family make their own unique contributions to society. Through his charities, The Prince of Wales has worked to support young people and other causes for the benefit of the wider community, and now his sons are following in his footsteps.”

“At Christmas, we feel very fortunate to have our family around us. But for many of you, this Christmas will mean separation from loved ones and perhaps reflection on the memories of those no longer with us.”

“I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching. He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.”

“We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage. I hope that the Christmas message will encourage and sustain you too, now and in the coming year.”

“I wish you all a very happy Christmas.”

Queen Elizabeth II's 2007 Christmas Day Broadcast

Below is the full text of Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 Christmas Day Broadcast.

"One of the features of growing old is a heightened awareness of change. To remember what happened 50 years ago means that 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. The immediate family of grandparents, parents and children, together with their extended family, is still the core of a thriving community."

"When Prince Philip and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding last month, we were much aware of the affection and support of our own family as they gathered round us for the occasion."

"Now 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. Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn; they had to make do in a stable, and the new-born Jesus had to be laid in a manger. This was a family which had been shut out."

"Perhaps it was because of this early experience that, throughout his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth reached out and made friends with people whom others ignored or despised. It was in this way that he proclaimed his belief that, in the end, we are all brothers and sisters in one human family."

"The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of society - people who feel cut off and disadvantaged; people who, for one reason or another, are not able to enjoy the full benefits of living in a civilised and law-abiding community. For these people the modern world can seem a distant and hostile place."

"It is all too easy to 'turn a blind eye', 'to pass by on the other side', and leave it to experts and professionals. All the great religious teachings of the world press home the message that everyone has a responsibility to care for the vulnerable. Fortunately, there are many groups and individuals, often unsung and unrewarded, who are dedicated to ensuring that the 'outsiders' are given a chance to be recognised and respected. However, each one of us can also help by offering a little time, a talent or a possession, and taking a share in the responsibility for the well-being of those who feel excluded."

"And also today I want to draw attention to another group of people who deserve our thoughts this Christmas. We have all been conscious of those who have given their lives, or who have been severely wounded, while serving with the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The dedication of the National Armed Forces Memorial was also an occasion to remember those who have suffered while serving in these and every other place of unrest since the end of the Second World War."

"For their families, Christmas will bring back sad memories, and 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."

"A familiar introduction to an annual Christmas Carol Service contains the words: 'Because this would most rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved.'"

"Wherever these words find you, and in whatever circumstances, I want to wish you all a blessed Christmas."

Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 Christmas Day Broadcast can be viewed at the BBC or The Royal Channel YouTube network.