Queen Elizabeth II made her annual Christmas Day speech

There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them.

But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medallists' reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.
Throughout the Commonwealth there were equally joyful celebrations. Grenada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and New Zealand won more medals per head of population than any other
countries.
Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations.
Inspiration fed their aspiration; and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.
They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
She once said: 'Not all of us can do great
things. But we can do small things with great love'.
This has been the experience of two
remarkable organisations, The Duke of
Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust,which are 60 and 40 years old this year. These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.
To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall.
Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.
From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved; to championing music and dance; providing animal welfare; or protecting our fields and forests,
their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.
When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength. In fact, the word 'inspire' literally
means 'to breathe in'.
But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.
On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.