Queen Elizabeth II has used her Christmas message to call for unity in what seems to be a divided world.

Key points: Queen Elizabeth II's message highlights the importance of treating others with respect

Queen Elizabeth II's message highlights the importance of treating others with respect The message was pre-recorded on December 12 for a global Christmas Day broadcast

The message was pre-recorded on December 12 for a global Christmas Day broadcast She says the message of peace on earth and goodwill are needed "as much as ever"

The monarch used her annual address to urge people to show decency and "goodwill" to all.

It's a message that broadly addresses the challenges the world faced in 2018.

"Even in the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," she said.

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The Queen said the Christmas story's message of goodwill and peace on earth was "needed as much as ever".

The message was pre-recorded on December 12, in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.

The Queen spoke of the "baffling paradoxes" of life, by which "human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil".

"Even the power of faith, which frequently inspires great generosity and self-sacrifice, can fall victim to tribalism," she said.

Her words have been contextualised to many developments of 2018, particularly the ongoing division over the UK's Brexit deal.

However, the broadcast highlighted the happier moments of the past 12 months.

On a lighter note, the Queen noted that 2018 was a busy year for her family: two weddings, two new babies and another due next year.

"It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied," she said.

Other highlights included Prince Charles's 70th birthday and the Australian-hosted Commonwealth Games, which the Queen praised for its "emphasis on goodwill and mutual respect".

The Queen and Prince Phillip sent 750 Christmas cards

The Queen made special mention of Prince Charles's 70th birthday in her speech. ( Supplied: Royal Family )

She sat surrounded by framed black-and-white photographs of her father, King George VI, and herself with The Duke of Edinburgh and a baby Prince Charles from 1949.

Also on the desk is the most recent photo of Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and their families.

The first Christmas Broadcast was made by King George VI in 1932 to inaugurate the Empire Service, which is know the BBC World Service.

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It was broadcast to 20 million people and began at 3:05pm local time, lasting for two-and-a-half minutes.

King George V made a Christmas Day address each year after until his death, with his son King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II continuing the tradition.

Among other royal Christmas traditions are the gifting of some 1,500 Christmas puddings to staff as well as the donation of Christmas trees to several cathedrals.

It is thought the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree was introduced to Britain by Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, in the late 18th century.

It was popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century and continues to be part of palace celebrations.

Queen Elizabeth II and members of the royal family will usually put the final touches on their Christmas tree.

The Queen and Prince Phillip send about 750 Christmas cards each year, signed "Elizabeth R" and "Philip".