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Though they can delight and provide moments of joy and pride, it is fair to say most grandchildren do a good job of keeping their grandparents on their toes.

And it appears even the Queen is no different when it comes to being run ragged by the youngest in the family, joking that new royal births this year have kept her “well occupied”.

Speaking in her televised Christmas Day message, the 92-year-old monarch, who has eight grandchildren and a further seven great-grandchildren, said: “Closer to home, it’s been a busy year for my family, with two weddings and two babies, and another child expected soon.

“It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied.”

In April, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced the birth of their third child, Prince Louis. In June, their cousin Zara Tindall,the equestrian married to the former England rugby international Mike, gave birth to the couple’s second child, Lena.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry tied the knot with the actor Meghan Markle in May, followed by the couple revealing in October that the Duchess of Sussex was pregnant and due to give birth next spring. Princess Eugenie also wed her long-term boyfriend Jack Brooksbank in October.

Play Video 2:33 Highlights of Harry and Meghan's wedding 2018: the dress, the vows, the kiss – video

Speaking from her desk in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with a Christmas tree in the background, the Queen emphasised the importance of those closest to her over the years. “Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance,” she said.

The Queen also reflected on her father, George VI, and his service with the Royal Navy during the first world war and his role in the early years of the Commonwealth.

Acknowledging the sacrifices of the thousands of sailors who died fighting in the Battle of Jutland in 1916 during which her father served as a midshipman, she added: “The British fleet lost 14 ships and 6,000 men in that engagement. My father wrote in a letter: ‘How and why we were not hit beats me.’ Like others, he lost friends in the war.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Prince Albert, the future King George VI, served in the navy from 1910 until 1918, and saw action at the Battle of Jutland. Photograph: Print Collector/Getty Images

Offering words of comfort to those also remembering friends and family who have died, she said: “At Christmas, we become keenly aware of loved ones who have died, whatever the circumstances. But, of course, we would not grieve if we did not love.”

The Queen, who has reigned for 65 years and been married to the Duke of Edinburgh for more than seven decades, added: “Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I’d like to think so. Perhaps part of that wisdom is to recognise some of life’s baffling paradoxes, such as the way 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.”

In further comments that may be interpreted as referencing the turmoil over Brexit, she said: “I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date.

“It can be heeded by everyone; it’s needed as much as ever. A very happy Christmas to you all.”

The monarch, who is publicly neutral on political matters, also highlighted the “strength” of the Commonwealth, which has 53 member countries and a combined population of 2.4bn.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Queen greeting Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand, at Buckingham Palace during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in April. Photograph: WPA Pool/Getty Images

In April, the Queen hosted the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. In her Christmas message, she noted that only eight states were welcomed by her father in 1948.

She added: “Its strength lies in the bonds of affection it promotes, and a common desire to live in a better, more peaceful world.

“Even with 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.”

During her address, footage of both the Sussexes’ and Princess Eugenie’s weddings were broadcast, including shots of when the respective couples kissed on the steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Another clip of the Cambridges presenting baby Louis to the world outside of the Lindo wing of St Mary’s hospital, in Paddington, London, also featured.

The Queen also noted that 2018 included the 70th birthday of the Prince of Wales, with the camera panning to a picture of her son and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, along with the Cambridges and their children, and the Sussexes.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The royal family attending the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham: (from left) Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate, and Meghan and Prince Harry. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA

The monarch was also surrounded by other family photos, including Prince William and Kate’s Christmas card featuring the couple and their children. Another snap showed a scene from Princess Eugenie’s wedding with the bride and groom alongside their bridesmaids and pageboys. Other pictures included a black and white image of Prince Harry and Meghan on their wedding day and a shot of George VI.

The Queen also highlighted the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and paid tribute to the armed forces. After footage showing an RAF flypast which formed the number “100” to celebrate the anniversary, she said: “We owe them and all our armed services our deepest gratitude.”

The broadcast started with the national anthem and finished with the carol Once in Royal David’s City, courtesy of the choir of King’s College, Cambridge.

Meanwhile, hundreds of well-wishers who turned out to see the royal family attend a Christmas church service on the Sandringham estate missed the Duke of Edinburgh.

He was relaxing at home and said to be in good health. The Duchess of Cornwall, who has been nursing a heavy cold, was also missing from the service.

The rest of the royal family made the short walk to the church of St Mary Magdalene from the Queen’s nearby Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Kate and Meghan, subject to recent speculation in the media claiming there was a rift between them, were seen walking happily side-by-side chatting to each other.