Watch the Queen pay tribute to terror victims in her annual Christmas message

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

The Queen's message to the nation and the Commonwealth looked back over the previous 12 months, taking 'home' as its theme. 

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

The 91 year-old monarch, whose televised address is an 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. 

'This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks.

'In Manchester, those targeted included children who had gone to see their favourite singer. A few days after the bombing, I had the privilege of meeting some of the young survivors and their parents.

'I describe that hospital visit as a 'privilege' because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience.' 

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission.