A sense of belonging to a group... helps to overcome differences and misunderstanding by reducing prejudice, ignorance and fear

The Queen

It was solemn in tone, with the Queen talking either straight to camera from a sitting room in Buckingham Palace, or over footage of memorial services for the victims of the US terror attacks.

The Queen said 2001 had been a difficult year for many people.

She cited UK rural disasters such as flooding and foot-and-mouth, as causing continuing hardship and anxiety.

The Queen said: "But... it was the human conflicts and the wanton acts of crime and terror against fellow human beings which have so appalled us all.

'Strength in trouble'

"We look to the Church to bring us together as a nation or as a community in commemoration and tribute.

"In these circumstances so many of us, whatever our religion, need our faith more than ever to sustain and guide us," she said.

The broadcast showed footage of the royal family at work during the year - including the Duke of York meeting New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and Prince William meeting the public.

She reflected on the memorial services for those bereaved by the US terrorist attacks which, she said, gave an "important sense of belonging".

The Royal Family met well-wishers at Sandringham

The Queen said: "We came together as a community - of relations, friends and neighbours - to draw strength in troubled times from those around us.

"A sense of belonging to a group, which has in common the same desire for a fair and ordered society, helps to overcome differences and misunderstanding by reducing prejudice, ignorance and fear.

"We all have something to learn from one another, whatever your faith - be it Christian or Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh - whatever our background, whether we be young or old, from town or countryside."

Jubilee ahead

She added: "I hope in the months to come we shall be able to find ways of strengthening our own communities as a sure support and comfort to us all - whatever may lie ahead."

Queen and other members of the Royal Family are spending Christmas at Sandringham, her Norfolk estate.

The film showed members of the royal family at work

The Queen Mother, who was suffering from a cold, did not join them for their traditional church service at Sandringham on Christmas morning.

But the Countess of Wessex did - in her first public appearance since suffering an ectopic pregnancy earlier this month.

There was no direct reference to the Queen's 2002 Golden Jubilee, marking her 50-year reign, in her speech - only a mention that this year's Christmas message was her 50th.

There will be numerous celebrations throughout the year to mark the Golden Jubilee - with the focus being the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on 4 June.

There will be an extra bank holiday on Monday 3 June.