THE Queen is sending a special Christmas message to British troops today, praising the courage of those stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Our country asks a lot of you and your families," she says in a pre-recorded Christmas Eve radio broadcast to the armed forces serving at home and abroad.
The Queen speaks of how her thoughts and prayers are with the families of the servicemen and women killed in recent months.
The armed forces suffered heavy casualties in both Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006 - including Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill. She was the first British servicewoman to die in action in Iraq when she and four colleagues were killed in a helicopter crash in Basra in May.
It is the second time in recent years that the Queen, who is head of the armed forces, has recorded a separate message for troops in addition to her annual December 25 broadcast.
It is being played to them early this morning.
The Queen says: "In Iraq and Afghanistan you continue to make an enormous contribution in helping to rebuild those countries and in other operational theatres you undertake essential duties with a professionalism which is so highly regarded the world over.
"Members of my own family have had the opportunity this year to visit you on operations and see at first hand the scope of your work.
"They have been hugely impressed by the spirit in which you go about your business in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.
"Your courage and loyalty are not lightly taken. It is a pledge which calls for sacrifice and devotion to duty.
And I know that yours is a job which often calls for great personal risk.
"This year men and women from across the armed forces have lost their lives in action in both Iraq and Afghanistan. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends, especially at this Christmas season.
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The Duke of Edinburgh travelled to Basra this year, while the Princess Royal visited troops in Afghanistan.
The Queen also wishes injured servicemen and women a speedy recovery and turns to the families left behind - something she has experienced herself.
"For those of your families spending this Christmas without you, I want to express my appreciation for the understanding they show and the sacrifices they make on our behalf," she says.
"Our country asks a lot of you and your families. I have much appreciated the opportunities I have had to meet so many of you during my various visits over the past 12 months and I always draw strength from your dedication, resolve and good humour."
The monarch was a teenager when the Second World War began and the Duke of Edinburgh spent long periods at sea during that time.
Their son the Duke of York risked his life during the Falklands War as a Sea King helicopter pilot.
The Queen also touches on her own personal ties with the Army, Navy and RAF.
She says: "Throughout my life my relationship with the armed forces has been marked by my admiration and deep respect for everything you strive to achieve on behalf of all of us.
"My father King George VI said that 'the highest of distinctions is service to others'. There is no higher goal.
" Your service to our country is - I believe - an outstanding example of that ideal.
I am grateful to you all.
"I wish you, and your families, a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year."
The Queen says the armed forces have had an extremely busy year and also thanks them for helping her celebrate her 80th birthday.
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