George VI of the United Kingdom

“ Our elder daughter has wedded with our blessing the man she loves and one whom we love, too. Our joy has been increased a thousandfold by knowing that it is so widely shared. We are greatly touched by the demonstration of the delight that it has given to our people. ”

“ This third Christmas Day since the war ended finds us still praying that the time may soon come when true peace will have been established throughout the world, when all men will be working together with good will to rebuild what has been destroyed, when everywhere fear will have given place to trust, hardships to wellbeing, and scarcity to plenty. ”

“ Christmas is a family festival, and the hearts of those of us who are spending it at home go out to those who cannot do so, and especially to those still called on to serve in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. ”

“ When we look across the seas we do not have to seek out reasons for thankfulness and hope; they are manifest. The unity and steadfastness of the British Commonwealth and Empire saved the liberties of the world. ”

“ We would ask them to join in our prayer that our daughter and her husband will not only have a married life of lasting love and felicity but will continue to deserve and to enjoy the love of all the British peoples. ”

“ We have now to create afresh the resources that we then poured out, and to deny ourselves while doing so; but no one, remembering 1940, can doubt that we shall succeed, and no one can doubt that we are all doing our level best to ensure success. ”

“ Many of them are guardians of public order in foreign lands, and it falls to them to uphold their country’s good name. Some are exposed to daily stress and danger. I thank these for their patience and fortitude, and to all I send a cordial Christmas greeting. ”