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The Queen has made one of her most personal broadcasts to the nation and the Commonwealth.

In her Christmas message, she reflected on what different generations can learn from one another, and the charitable spirit that binds the country together.

She also paid tribute to the British soldiers who took part in last week's air strikes against Iraq.

Never underestimate older people, the Queen said

The last twelve months have been much calmer for the Royal family after a traumatic year in 1997, marred by the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Queen's Christmas Day message reflected this change.

The speech this year relied less on the traditional format of the Queen reading to the camera and instead included footage of the Royal family around the Christmas tree and out and about on visits.

It was also an attempt to appeal more to the younger generation as well as older people.

The Queen's theme was the ties that bind the generations together.

She said: "It is not always easy for those in their teens or twenties to believe that someone of my age - of the older generation - might have something useful to say to them."

Her Majesty said that we should never underestimate what older people, such as her 98-year-old mother, have lived through.

"I would say that my mother has much to say to me. Indeed, her vigour and enjoyment of life is a great example of how to close the so-called generation gap."

"We should learn to trust our children"

She related the sacrifices of the older generation to those made by British forces involved in the recent air strikes on Iraq.

She said: "They remember struggles unknown to young people today, and which they will not forget. Nor should their countries forget them.

"And in recent days, we have had another reminder of the courage and dedication shown so often around the world by our armed forces in the cause of peace."

But there is still much that can be learned from the young - including her own grandchildren - with their grasp of science, discovery and foreign cultures, the Queen said.

However, she added: "The older I get, the more conscious I become of the difficulties young people have to face as they learn to live in the modern world.

"We parents and grandparents must learn to trust our children and grandchildren as they seize their opportunities, but we can, at the same time, caution and comfort if things go wrong, or guide and explain if we are needed."

Prince Charles turned 50 this year

In November, Prince Charles, the Queen's eldest child, reached the age of 50. At the time, his birthday prompted speculation that he wanted his mother to abdicate so that he could become king.

Both the Queen and Prince Charles rejected the reports, and in her Christmas Day broadcast, the Queen paid tribute to her son.

"It is hard to believe that half a century has passed since our son Charles was christened, and now, last month he has celebrated his 50th birthday.

"It was a moment of great happiness and pride on our part in all he has achieved during the last three decades."

The Queen also thanked all those who, unpaid and often unnoticed, give their services to the community.

Their example bridges the generations, she said.

"They give us, with our families, our sense of belonging. It is they that help define our sense of duty. It is they that can make us strong as individuals, and keep the nation's heartbeat strong and steady too."