The Queen gave the first televised Christmas message 50 years ago

She also said, during her message, growing older had given her a "heightened awareness of change".

The Queen also recognised the sacrifice and devotion to duty of the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The first televised broadcast of the Queen's Christmas message was in 1957, but it is a tradition begun on the radio in 1932 by George V.

To remember what happened 50 years ago means that it is possible to appreciate what has changed in the meantime The Queen The Christmas speech in full Hundreds at Sandringham

The Queen said: "One of the features of growing old is the 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 remains constant."

The Queen also said people should share responsibility to help those less fortunate than themselves.

New channel

In the 1957 live broadcast from her desk at Sandringham, she said she hoped the new medium would make her message more personal and direct.

The Queen has also launched her own channel on video-sharing website YouTube, which will feature the message.

The Queen spent Christmas morning with other members of the Royal Family at a church service near her estate in Sandringham, Norfolk.

She was accompanied by princes Edward, Andrew and Charles, as well as the Duchess of Cornwall.

Prince Andrew has said the Royal Family usually assembles to watch the Queen's speech, but that the Queen watches the broadcast on her own in another room.