Record ratings are predicted for the Queen's Christmas Day speech, which is expected to include a tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

More than 60 broadcast networks throughout the Commonwealth will air the radio and TV versions of the broadcast, produced this year by ITN which shares the role with the BBC.

In addition, CNN will broadcast the programme in full to its potential TV audience of 700 million people in 210 countries and territories.

NHK in Japan will screen the programme to an expected audience of 11 million. Three television news agencies - Reuters, APTV and WTN - will also relay the broadcast in full at 3pm GMT to 400 networks in more than 100 countries.

Recordings of the speech have been securely delivered by diplomatic bag to countries with limited technology, including Montserrat where downlink equipment was damaged by the recent volcano eruption.

Memories of a Princess

Diana's death is also likely to cast a shadow over the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham where the young princes are expected to attend a church service St Mary Magdalene church service along with their father, Prince Charles, the Queen and other senior royals.

The Queen celebrated her 45th year as monarch in 1997

Hundreds of royal watchers will turn out to see members of the Royal Family walk the quarter of a mile from Sandringham House to the small parish church. The Queen, Queen Mother and Princess Margaret will be chauffeur-driven in a royal limousine.

Prince Andrew will be accompanied by his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Although, his former wife, the Duchess of York is staying at a farm on the Sandringham estate she will not attend the church service.

As in previous years, the royals are expected to exchange Christmas greetings with members of the public outside the church after the service.
 

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