Queen to podcast Christmas speech

This year's message was filmed at Southwark Cathedral

The Queen's Christmas Day speech will be made available as a podcast for the first time this year.

Those who order the free download from the Monarchy's website will receive the podcast on 25 December at 1500 GMT. The message can also be watched online.

The theme of this year's speech is the relationship between generations.

The Queen has also recorded a radio message for the Armed Services and their families which will be played to troops on Christmas morning.

This year's speech was filmed at Southwark Cathedral in London.

'Key event'

In other royal news, the BBC has been asked to broadcast the Concert for Diana scheduled for 1 July 2007.

Announced by Princes William and Harry last week, the concert will be held at Wembley Stadium on what would have been their mother's 46th birthday.

"This is a key event for the British public this summer," said BBC One controller Peter Fincham. "I am delighted the BBC has been asked to broadcast it into the nation's living rooms."

The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 as well as online.

The Queen's speech will be broadcast live on the BBC News website at 1500 GMT on Christmas Day.