By now, you have to be living under a rock to not know that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, has passed away at the age of 96.
We here at iTech Post extend our condolences to the late queen's family and friends, as well as to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
For over 70 years, the late queen has seen some of the greatest technological advancements happen and fully embraced them, even making history in the process. An example of which is her Christmas Broadcast in 1957, which made history as the first one that has ever been televised.
The Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Before we get to that history-making moment, let us first talk about the news that has made headlines around the globe as of writing. As previously mentioned, Queen Elizabeth II has died.
Her Majesty, according to the statement posted on Twitter account of the British Royal Family, passed away peacefully in Balmoral Castle, which is located in England.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, including those from world leaders who have expressed their condolences to the Royal Family.
Related Article: World Leaders Take to Twitter to Express Their Condolences Following Queen Elizabeth II's Death
The Christmas Broadcast
Every year since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne seven decades ago, Queen Elizabeth II would share her message to her people during Christmas.
It should be noted that the late queen did not start the tradition. In fact, it was actually started by her grandfather, King George V, in 1932. Here's a fun fact about that speech: it was written by famous poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling, according to the BBC.
The tradition was continued by Queen Elizabeth II's father, King George VI. King Edward VIII, George VI's older brother and the one who became king after George V died, never got to deliver his own Christmas message as he abdicated the throne 14 days before Christmas in 1936.
Queen Elizabeth II's Historical 1957 Christmas Broadcast
Among the seven decades' worth of Christmas broadcasts that Queen Elizabeth II has done in her life, there is one that made history. It is the 1957 Christmas Broadcast.
According to the official website of the Royal Family, this is because it is the first time that the Christmas Brodcast had been televised. It also marked the 25th anniversary of the first Christmas Broadcast that people were able to tune into via radio.
Queen Elizabeth II began her Christmas message by saying "Twenty-five years ago my grandfather broadcast the first of these Christmas messages."
She continued, "Today is another landmark because television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day."
Regarding the television, Queen Elizabeth said "I very much hope that this new medium will make my Christmas message more personal and direct."
You can watch the entirety of the 1957 Christmas Broadcast below:
