第一篇：英國女王簡介

英國女王簡介

1st: 瑪麗一世

瑪麗一世，(Mary I, 1516年2月18日~1558年11月17日)英格蘭和愛爾蘭女王(理論上她是從1553年7月6日, 實際上從7月19日在位一直到1558年11月17日她去世時)。她是都鐸王朝的第四任也是倒數第二位君主。她主要事跡是曾努力把英國從新教恢復到羅馬天主教(1555年)。為此，她曾處決了差不多三百個反對者。于是而被稱為「血腥瑪麗」(Bloody Mary)。從此以后，Bloody Mary在英語中就成了女巫的同義詞。但是她的宗教政策在很大程度上被她的繼任者伊莉莎白一世所顛倒。

2nd: 伊莉莎白一世

伊莉莎白一世(Elizabeth I，1533年9月7日出生于格林尼治，即今日倫敦的格林尼治，1603年3月24日逝世于薩里)，于1558年11月17日至1603年3月24日任英格蘭和愛爾蘭女王，是都鐸王朝的第五位也是最后一位君主。她終身未嫁，因此被稱為「童貞女王」。她即位時英格蘭處于內部因宗教分裂的混亂狀態，但她不但成功地保持了英格蘭的統一，而且在經過近半個世紀的統治后，使英格蘭成為歐洲最強大，富有的國家之一。英格蘭文化也在此期間達到了一個頂峰，涌現出了諸如莎士比亞，培根這樣的著名人物。英國在北美的殖民地亦在此期間開始確立。她的統治期在英國歷史上被稱為「伊莉莎白時期」，亦稱為「黃金時代」。

3nd: 安妮女王

安妮女王(Anne of Great Britain 又譯為安女王，1665年2月6日~1714年8月1日)，英國女王。安妮是詹姆斯二世與王后安妮·海德的次女。1683年，與丹麥王子喬治結婚。1701年，英國議會通過「嗣位法」，安妮成為威廉三世的繼承人。1702年，安妮即位為英國女王。1707年，英格蘭議會與蘇格蘭議會合并，實現兩個國家真正的聯合。由于安妮身體虛弱和無后嗣的憂慮，托利黨領袖、國務大臣博林布洛克子爵曾與安妮的弟弟、老王位覬覦者詹姆斯·愛德華聯系，希望他能以放棄天主教信仰來換取王位繼承權，但遭到拒絕。1714年，安妮女王在駕崩前任命施魯斯伯里公爵為政(蟹)府中至關重要的財政大臣，確保了王位由信仰新教的漢諾瓦選帝侯喬治繼承。

4th:維多利亞女王

維多利亞女王(Alexandrina Victoria 1819年5月24日 ~1901年1月22日)是英國在位時間最長的君主，也是第一個以「大不列顛和愛爾蘭聯合王國女王」和「印度女皇」名號稱呼的英國君主。她在位的63年期間(1837年6月20日~1901年1月22日，是英國最強盛的所謂「日不落帝國」時期，她在位期間直到她去世后，到第一次世界大戰開始的1914年，英國都稱為「維多利亞時代」，1914年以后，英國開始走向衰落。

5th: 伊莉莎白二世

伊莉莎白二世(Elizabeth II，1926年4月21日~)，全名伊莉莎白·亞歷山德拉·瑪麗·溫莎(Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor)，現任英國君主，是英國,英聯邦(The Commonwealth)以及15個成員國的國家元首，同時也是英國國教會的最高首領。她的頭銜全稱為「托上帝洪福，大不列顛及北愛爾蘭聯合王國與其屬土及領地之女皇伊莉莎白二世，英聯邦元首，國教(圣公會)信仰的保護者」.她于1952年2月6日加冕，是目前在位時間第二長的國家元首，在她作為國家元首的國度中大約生活著1.25億人。

備注：港英時期的香港，因為其宗主國的關系，加上廣府話的“王”與“皇”同音，在一般場合會稱呼“英王”作“英皇”和“英女王”作“英女皇”，但正式的翻譯應為國王(King)和女王(Queen)，而非皇帝(Emperor)和女皇(Empress)。現在很多媒體(包括官方的)和個人也會把如今的英國君主伊麗莎白二世稱作“英女皇”，實際是不嚴謹的，因為一來她本人并沒有獲此頭銜，二來大英帝國已經解體，即使想要成為女皇都沒有帝國了，而如今英國只是王國，女性君主只能是“女王”而不是“女皇”;不過鑒于使用習慣，仍然可以“英女皇”稱之。

第二篇：英國女王演講稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons，I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.本篇文章來源于愛英語吧_英語學習網站(http://

第三篇：英國女王 演講

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons，議長、上議院和下議院的各位議員們：

I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.對上議院和下議院兩位議長表示忠誠的演講和慷慨陳詞，我十分感激。

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.這個偉大的制度，在有其歷史以來，一直處于國家和人民生活的核心。作為國會議員，你們與你們的先輩一樣，在自己所處時代的法律和決策中，發揮著基礎作用。國會作為我們憲法和生活中一塊不可動搖的基石存留下來。

History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.君主和國會貫徹了歷史，就像一個時代與下一個時代的一條紐帶。所以，在一個做些特別的事，比那些常規的、有價值的生活節奏更吸引人眼球的時代，我可以肯定自己是僅有的第二位慶祝“鉆石大慶”的君主。

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.像今天一樣，我很榮幸地曾在25周年和50周年紀念時向你們講話。10年前，你們當中許多人都出席了，而一些人將回憶起1977年時的場景。自從我登基后，就成為威斯敏斯特宮的定期訪客，據最新統計，很高興我已經與12位首相進行了交流。

Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.在此期間，你們可以看到，一個老人的寶貴經歷可以成為公共部門的有力指導，但非成功的必要條件。因此，我非常高興在許多年輕的國會議員面前講話，同樣，我也非常高興在那些把許多背景和經歷帶到你們極為重要的、國家工作中去的人們面前講話。

During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.在位的這些年，家人給予了我幾十年來極大的支持。我認為，菲利普親王因為謝絕各種贊美而聞名。但他一直給予我力量和指引。在“鉆石大慶”之年，威爾士親王以及家族其他成員代表我出去訪問英聯邦王國和聯邦內的許多其他國家，對此他和我都感到很自豪和表示感謝。

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.這些海外之旅提醒著我們與占據了世界三分之一人口的聯邦國家之間的密切關系。我與聯邦國家的交往，讓我知道，國家之間最重要的聯系是其人民之間的經常聯系。作為致力于特定價值觀的組織，聯邦通過成功地促進并保護這種聯系而得以繁榮和發展。

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.在國內，菲利普親王和我將到各地去訪問。我真誠地希望“鉆石大慶”是一次機會，讓人民以和睦友好的態度聚在一起，為他們自己的社區慶祝。

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.我們還希望慶祝全國數百萬人為公共利益而提供的專業和志愿服務。他們是給予他人福利和安樂重要支持的源泉，但常常都不被看到或是被忽略。

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.當我們回顧公共服務時，讓我們再一次注意我們的軍隊所做的重大犧牲和所表現出的勇氣。在這過去60年中，可能確實發生了很多變化，但是那些為了防衛和我們的自由而將生命置于危險之中的人的英勇之氣卻依然清晰可見。

The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.我與國會之間有著良好的關系，這個關系并不僅僅體現在我已簽署付諸法律效率的3,500多個法案。因此，呈在我面前的這個美妙禮物讓我感動，你們許多人都為此做了慷慨捐獻。這塊漂亮的玻璃窗將讓這座古老的宮殿接收到更多的陽光照射。我對這個安排很滿意。

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.在這里，我們想到我們的過去，我們國家歷史中的一幕幕，以及創造了這些諸如樂觀、機智、寬容的美德。我有幸見證了歷史中的一段，并在我的家人的支持下，在現在以及未來若干年，繼續服務于我們偉大的國家和人民。

原文鏈接：http://

第四篇：英國女王演講稿

英國女王登基60周年演講稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organization dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighborliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and well being of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the value of those who risk their lives for the defense and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra color to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.2012年女王演講稿 This past year has been one of great celebration for many.The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations.But perhaps most striking of all was to witness the strength of fellowship and friendship among those who had gathered together on these occasions.Prince Philip and I were joined by our family on the River Thames as we paid tribute to those who have shaped the United Kingdom's past and future as a maritime nation, and welcomed a wonderful array of craft, large and small, from across the Commonwealth.On the barges and the bridges and the banks of the river there were people who had taken their places to cheer through the mist, undaunted by the rain.That day there was a tremendous sense of common determination to celebrate, triumphing over the elements.That same spirit was also in evidence from the moment the Olympic flame arrived on these shores.The flame itself drew hundreds and thousands of people on its journey around the British Isles, and was carried by every kind of deserving individual, many nominated for their own extraordinary service.As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe, supported and comforted.For many, Christmas is also a time for coming together.But for others, service will come first.Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends, will be missing those they love.And those who have lost loved ones may find this day especially full of memories.That's why it's important at this time of year to reach out beyond our familiar relationships to think of those who are on their own.At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story.A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar.They came with their gifts to worship the Christ child.From that day on he has inspired people to commit themselves to the best interests of others.This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'.He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.It is my prayer this Christmas Day that His example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: 'What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;if I were a wise man, I would do my part'.The carol gives the answer 'Yet what I can I give him-give my heart'.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2013年女王演講稿 I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back.He read a lot, and thought a lot, and felt miserable.Later, he realized this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.Be it through contemplation, prayer, or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.Reflection can take many forms.When families and friends come together at Christmas, it's often a time for happy memories and reminiscing.Our thoughts are with those we have loved who are no longer with us.We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be at home for Christmas, such as workers in essential or emergency services.And especially at this time of year we think of the men and women serving overseas in our armed forces.We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear;they have an enduring value which spans the generations.I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day 60 years earlier.The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the Coronation, many of them for the better;and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighborliness.But reflection is not just about looking back.I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its way across 70 nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer.Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life.My son Charles summed this up at the recent meeting in Sri Lanka.He spoke of the Commonwealth's 'family ties' that are a source of encouragement to many.Like any family there can be differences of opinion.But however strongly they're expressed they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again.As with all who are christened, George was baptized into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service.After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph.It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.In the year ahead, I hope you will have time to pause for moments of quiet reflection.As the man in the plaster cast discovered, the results can sometimes be surprising.For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God's love, as we strive daily to become better people.The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone.There is no one beyond its reach.On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection.Suddenly all this was to change.These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ – the first noel – the joy of which we celebrate today.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.2014年女王演講稿

In the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral is a sculpture of a man and a woman reaching out to embrace each other.The sculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossed Europe on foot after the war to find her husband.Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation.Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the First World War came together to remember in peace.The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London drew millions, and the only possible reaction to seeing them and walking among them was silence.For every poppy a life;and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind.No one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrifice of all those in the armed forces who serve and protect us today.In 1914, many people thought the war would be over by Christmas, but sadly by then the trenches were dug and the future shape of the war in Europe was set.But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today.Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met in No Man's Land.Photographs were taken and gifts exchanged.It was a Christmas truce.Truces are not a new idea.In the ancient world a truce was declared for the duration of the Olympic Games and wars and battles were put on hold.Sport has a wonderful way of bringing together people and nations, as we saw this year in Glasgow when over 70 countries took part in the Commonwealth Games.It is no accident that they are known as the Friendly Games.As well as promoting dialogue between nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within each day's events.As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions.The benefits of reconciliation were clear to see when I visited Belfast in June.While my tour of the set of Game Of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will remain vividly in my mind.What was once a prison during the Troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose;a reminder of what is possible when people reach out to one another, rather like the couple in the sculpture.Of course, reconciliation takes different forms.In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief;and bridging these differences will take time.Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk.For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord.But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women.On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line.That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.A very happy Christmas to you all.

第五篇：2016英國女王致辭

英國女王2016年圣誕致辭

There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them.But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.Throughout the Commonwealth there were equally joyful celebrations.Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and New Zealand won more medals per head of population than any other countries.Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations.Inspiration fed their aspiration;and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day.But to be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals.I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours;unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta.She once said: 'Not all of us can do great things.But we can do small things with great love'.This has been the experience of two remarkable organisations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year.These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall.Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved;to championing music and dance;providing animal welfare;or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength.In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in.But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago.It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far.He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong.And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives.I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.'The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.I wish you all a very happy Christmas.