THE Queen reflected on a year of sadness and joy yesterday, paying tribute to the memory of her late mother and sister, and sharing her own philosophy for coping with life’s struggles.

The Queen attended the traditional Sandringham service, hobbling slightly with a strained knee as she walked up the stone steps of the church.

In her ten-minute Christmas broadcast, the sad events of what should have been a purely celebratory Golden Jubilee year were emphasised. Portrait photographs of her sister and parents, all taken in their youth, were arranged on a tabletop beside her so that the loneliness of the last living member of that once-close family was inescapable.

In a striking passage, she appeared to lay bare her soul, explaining her simple day-to-day approach of trying to do the right thing, think ahead and trust God.

The Queen made no explicit reference to the criticism she has endured for belatedly recalling a conversation with the butler Paul Burrell, resulting in his theft trial being abandoned.

But she said: “Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever.

“It is often difficult to keep this sense of perspective through the ups and downs of everyday life — as this year has constantly reminded me.

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning.

“I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God.”

Returning to that day-by-day theme, she concluded: “I look forward to the new year, to facing the challenges andopportunities that lie ahead, and to continuing to serve you to the very best of my ability each and every day.”

Footage of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s funeral and her lying in state in Westminster Hall was mingled with scenes of public rejoicing at the Golden Jubilee.

Princess Margaret died in February and the Queen Mother in March.

“Many of you will know only too well from your own experience the grief that follows the death of a much-loved mother or sister,” the Queen said.

“Mine were very much part of my life and always gave me their support and encouragement. But my own sadness was tempered by the generous tributes that so many of you paid to the service they gave to this country and the wider Commonwealth.”

In Sandringham, the Queen left her walking stick in her Rolls-Royce after she was driven to the front of St Mary Magdalene Church with the Countess of Wessex. The rest of the family walked from Sandringham House and back.

On the return journey, Prince William was suddenly pounced upon and hugged by Marlene Ponce, a 42-year-old mother-of-three, who works at a United States Air Force base.

After police led her back behind a security rope she said: “When I saw William come out of the church not too far away from where I was standing I just said to myself ‘go for it girl’.”

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