Byline: By Laura Elston
The Queen looked back half a century as she delivered her Christmas Day message, marking the 50th anniversary of her first televised Noel broadcast.
Black and white footage from the historic 1957 address, showing the Queen as a youthful, dark-haired 31-year-old monarch, was used at the beginning and end of this year's speech.
Fifty years on, grey-haired, wearing glasses and captured in colour, the 81-year-old Queen, who now holds the record for being Britain's oldest monarch, used her 2007 message to stress the importance of caring for "outsiders" who find themselves on "the edge of society".
She wore the same three-stringed pearl necklace - her favourite piece of jewellery-that she did for the 1957 speech, in a touching nod to the landmark televised delivery.
The 1957 message was read live from the Long Library at her country retreat Sandring-ham in Norfolk. The Queen had been on the throne for only five years.
The first Christmas speech was made on the radio by the Queen's grandfather King George V in 1932.
Illustrating how times have changed, the annual TV broadcast is now beamed around the world on the internet, can be downloaded as a podcast, and, for the first time this year, was available in high definition.
She recorded this year's message to the Commonwealth in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, against the backdrop of a Christmas tree and Brompton's painting of Frederick, son of George III.
Excerpts used from the 1957 broadcast saw the Queen emphasising the speed at which things were changing.
With a somewhat nervous sideways glance at the end, she wishes everyone "all the fun and enjoyment" of a very happy Christmas.
The image of a black and white royal standard, Sandringham House and then the young Queen started this year's screening.
For 2007, the Sovereign, who has become very experienced in the art of the now prerecorded Yuletide address, highlighted the importance of family.
She remarked personally on the affection and support she and the Duke of Edinburgh received from their own relatives during their diamond wedding celebrations this year.
The broadcast included never-before-seen footage of the Royals as they gathered at a black tie party at Clarence House in November, hosted by the Prince of Wales to celebrate the couple's 60th anniversary.
As they posed for a group photograph, the Queen, sitting in the prime spot in the front row, could be heard saying a spontaneous and enthusiastic "cheese".
As more than 20 close family members, including heir to the throne Charles and Prince William, mingled, Prince Harry asked with a grin "Are you going to feed us now?".
In this year's message, after watching footage of herself from the 1957 address on a modern flatscreen TV at Buckingham Palace, the Queen talked about the positive value of a happy family.
"One of the features of growing old is a heightened awareness of change," she said.
"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 head of the Church of England spoke of how Mary, Joseph and Jesus were a family who were shut out, and she urged people to take care of those cut off from society.
The Queen, who is head of the Armed Forces, also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Britain's servicemen and women. Footage was shown of Royal Marines from 40 Commando in the dangerous Helmand province of Afghanistan.
EXTRACTS FROM THE QUEEN'S 2007 SPEECH
"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 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."
CAPTION(S):
The Queen delivers her Christmas speech in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, with her original Noel message showing in the background
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