For those who are royal watchers and fans of the Queen and the Royal Family might be in luck to listen to the Queen’s Christmas message before it is broadcast on the ABC which tends to play the message on Boxing Day. Amazon Alexa-enabled speakers this year will be able to broadcast the Queen’s Christmas message from 3pm UK time (approximately 1am AEDST).
Sky News UK has advised that the Queen’s message will be able to be heard on Amazon Echo speakers around the world through various language settings of British English, American, Australian, Canadian or Indian varieties of English (editor’s note: does that mean the Queen will say “struth what a shocker of a year cobber” to us?).
The message will also be available through the ABC online (via broadcast, iView and radio) alongside YouTube as well.
Eric King, director of Alexa Europe, has said via Sky News UK that:
After a challenging year, millions of people from across the Commonwealth will be eagerly awaiting Her Majesty the Queen’s message on Christmas Day.
By creating this world-first innovation, just as we did in 2012 with the release of the Queen’s Christmas speech on Kindle, we hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the uplifting words of Her Majesty.
This really is one for the history books and showcases just how far technology has advanced since the very first speech was delivered back in 1932.
It is believed that the Queen’s message will be dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused havoc around the world, while also praising first responders and essential workers like health professionals and support staff for their tireless efforts over the past 9 months.
So if you have an Alexa-powered device, are a royal watcher and will be staying up for the Queen’s message then you might want to ask at 1am Boxing Day (Saturday 26th December) AEDST, “Alexa, play the Queen’s message.”
