Since 1957, the Queen’s Speech has been broadcast live on television by Queen Elizabeth. The Queen is currently 95 years old, and her health has made headlines over the last month for staying overnight in hospital. Prince Charles, on the other hand, is 73 years old.
Yet, following Her Majesty’s recent absence from regular engagements, over a quarter of royal fans reportedly want Prince Charles to deliver this year’s Christmas Day speech.
However, this is only if the Queen is unable to do so.
Interestingly, those aged 18-34-year-olds are more than three times as likely to say they want Prince Harry to step up and deliver the speech in her absence when compared to those over 55.
Nearly half (46 percent) of households in the UK plan to stream a non-festive film on Christmas Day this year, according to the latest research from Digital TV.
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Instead many are opting for alternative genres such as comedy (34 percent), thriller (28 percent), action (24 percent), sci-fi (19 percent) and even horror (12 percent).
Looking at the most popular Christmas shows to air live on Christmas Day, The Queen’s speech still makes for popular viewing as one in three (33 percent) plan to tune in.
This is followed by Strictly Christmas Special (25 percent), Call the Midwife (23 percent) and Mrs Brown’s Boys (22 percent).
Following the Queen’s recent absence from her regular engagements, over a quarter (28 percent) want Prince Charles to deliver this year’s speech if the Queen is unable to do so.
The age group of 18-34-year-olds are more than three times as likely to say they want Prince Harry to step up and deliver the speech in her absence when compared to those over 55 (just three percent).
Others feel that there is no suitable replacement, stating they don’t think there should be a speech if the Queen is unable to deliver hers as usual (15 percent).
Hollie Croft, streaming expert at Digital TV, spoke to Express.co.uk about the nation’s divide over the Queen’s speech for 2021.
She said: “From the shows we watch to our Christmas Day rituals, we are a nation that is truly split between the traditional and the contemporary.
“The need for content that captures the nation’s various interests is what has allowed streaming services to continue their growth in popularity, ultimately becoming a more viable option than the traditional linear TV.
“Yet, for all our differences, groundbreaking shows and films still bring families together during the festive season; whether that’s in front of the telly or on their individual screens.”
As of now, Her Majesty will deliver her Christmas address to the nation from 3pm on Christmas Day as usual.
The Queen, who has gone through a tough personal year, will welcome members of her family to Sandringham and host them this Christmas.
