QUEEN ELIZABETH LAUDS BRITISH SPIRIT

SANDRINGHAM : Britain's Queen Elizabeth praised the resilience of London and Manchester after  ''appalling attacks'', in a Christmas message that also paid tribute to her husband, Prince Philip, who retired from regular royal duties this year.   

The ''powerful identities'' of the capital and the northern English city had shone through after militant attacks as well as devastating fire that destroyed the residential tower block Grenfell Tower in London, the Queen said.

The 91 year old monarch, whose televised address is essential part of a traditional Christmas in Britain, said it had been a privilege to visit victims of the bomb attack at a pop concert in Manchester, as she was able to witness the bravery and resilience  of survivors first-hand.

On the 60th anniversary of her first televised Christmas address, Elizabeth said her reflections on the year had made her ''grateful of the blessings of home and family'', and praised her husband and his  ''unique'' sense of humour.

The 96-year-old prince, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, has been at the queen's side throughout her 65 years on the throne, and has often grabbed the headlines with his  off-colour comments.

Elizabeth, the world's longest reigning monarch, celebrated her platinum wedding anniversary in November, Philip retired from regular royal duties over the summer having carried out more than  22,000 solo engagements.

''I don't know that anyone had invented the term 'platinum' for the 70th wedding anniversary when I was born. You weren't expected to be around that long,'' she said.

Philip has continued to make occasional appearances, and joined other members of the royal family  at a Christmas Day church service on their country estate in Sandringham.

Also joining them for the service was Prince Harry's finance Meghan Markle who is spending Christmas with the royals.

The Queen, who missed last year's service with a heavy cloud, said in her address that she was looking forward to welcoming  new members into the royal family next year.

As well as Markle, who will marry Harry in May, Kate is expecting a third child.