The Queen’s Christmas Speech is an annual tradition on Christmas Day in the UK and we’d hate for you to miss it. The Queen’s Speech has been broadcast since 1932, but Queen Elizabeth II has read it herself since 1952.
2021 has been a tough year, and we imagine that the Queen will be expressing her gratitude to the emergency services and key workers that have got us through this year. In addition, she may pay tribute to her late husband, Prince Phillip.
Here’s how and when you can tune in, even if you’re not in the UK.
When is the Queen’s Christmas Speech this year?
The Queen’s Speech will be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, and it will last roughly ten minutes.
How to watch it on TV
In the UK, the Queen’s Royal Christmas Message, as it is officially called, is broadcast on BBC One, ITV, Sky 1 and Sky News. It is also broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (92-95FM and 103-105FM).
As ever, the message will be pre-recorded and broadcast to all member countries of the commonwealth.
How to watch the Queen’s Speech online from anywhere
Shortly after the TV broadcast, you will be able to catch up on the speech over on the official and YouTube channels.
You can also . You can watch in a web browser, or by downloading the app on your phone or tablet.
Using iPlayer is the best way to see the speech live if you’re not in one of the countries where the speech is aired. However, iPlayer is technically only available within the UK.
To get around this limitation you can use a VPN and choose a UK server, which will make it appear that you are in the UK. Not all VPN services unblock iPlayer, but several which do include ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Hidden24.
How to watch the alternative Queen’s Speech
Since 1993, Channel 4 has recorded its own alternative version of the Queen’s Speech. Over the years we’ve seen the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Jamie Oliver and even Marge Simpson step up for the role.
Last year, Channel 4 caused an uproar by using ‘deepfake’ technology to create a convincing double of Queen Elizabeth II. Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to swap out faces in video and basically allow the producer to literally put words in the actor’s mouth.
Plans for the 2021 Alternative Queen’s Speech on Channel 4 haven’t yet been announced – we’ll update this article when we know more. When it airs, you’ll be able to tune in on your TV or via .