In Christmas address, queen urges Britain to overcome differences

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth II will speak to deeply divided Britons on Christmas Day, urging them to overcome differences related to Brexit, excerpts of her speech indicate.

Britain's queen remains neutral on political matters but she has a history of using subtlety to sway the public during rare public addresses.

The speech will air nationwide Tuesday afternoon.

"Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," the queen will say, according to text from her speech. "Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance."

Buckingham Palace released some previews of what the queen will talk about in her speech, which will also address the importance of Christmas.

"I believe [Jesus'] message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date," the queen will say. "It can be heeded by everyone; it's needed as much as ever."

The 92-year-old queen will appear in the pre-recorded speech in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace wearing an Angela Kelly ivory silk cocktail dress with an overlay of pale blue, white and gold lace with a triple strand of pearls. Pinned to her dress is a gold, ruby and diamond brooch given her by Prince Philip in 1966.

The queen has delivered the annual Christmas address since 1952.

Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal remains deadlocked in Parliament. Lawmakers are set to vote on the deal in January and Britain could leave the European Union by the end of March. The stalemate has led some in Britain to call for a second referendum, which would effectively ask Britons again whether they support leaving the 28-nation alliance. May opposes another vote.