In her Christmas message of 1952, no doubt still reeling from the shock of being thrust into the spotlight at just 25 years old, the young Queen thought carefully about the sentiment behind the words that would broadcast to millions.
Amid her youth and inexperience she recognised that above all else, she needed to find a way to connect with the people tuning in at home and across the four corners of the world.
As she gathered her thoughts Her Majesty drew on her feelings on the job that lay ahead, with the backdrop of the festive season.
Her words encompassed the importance of the union of family, the spirit of togetherness and the benefits of shared knowledge - words that would not only become a central theme of her speech, but a belief the monarch carried forward through her 70 years on the throne.
Her Majesty said she would draw her resolve for the task that lay before her from the “immense union of nations” throughout the Commonwealth, that “like our own families, can be a great power for good”.
She added: “My father, and my grandfather before him, worked all their lives to unite our peoples ever more closely, and to maintain its ideals which were so near to their hearts. I shall strive to carry on their work.”
How fitting then, that in preparation to celebrate her record breaking Platinum Jubilee this weekend, the Queen chose to look back through a selection of cards and pictures sent in from around the world by well-wishers throughout her 70 year reign.
The world has undergone such massive changes since that speech seven decades ago, but Her Majesty’s endeavour and belief above all else in the benefits of community has not wavered.
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As her own family has been plagued by infighting and scandal in recent years that has threatened the very fabric of their future, they would do well to remember it is those basic attitudes of dedication and connection to others that has cemented her legacy.
Here is the list of events marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee:
May 12-15: Platinum Jubilee Celebration
More than 500 horses and 1,000 performers will take part in a 90-minute show taking the Windsor Castle audience through history right from Elizabeth I to the present day.
Bank Holiday: June 2: Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour)
The colour will be trooped on Horse Guards Parade by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards and over 1,200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division who will put on a display. Sandringham and Balmoral will also be open for residents and visitors to enjoy the celebrations across the Bank Holiday.
Platinum Jubilee Beacons
The UK will join the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories to light a beacon to mark the Jubilee. The Principal Beacon will also be lit in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
June 3: Service of Thanksgiving
The Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's reign will be held at St Paul's Cathedral.
June 4: Platinum Party at the Palace
Some of the world's greatest entertainers are billed to perform at the concert at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the most significant moments from the Queen's reign.
June 5: Big Jubilee Lunch
Street parties are being planned across the UK and neighbours are expected to join together for food and fun to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. It will mark the end of the Bank Holiday.
Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Performers will come together in London to tell the story of the Queen's reign through a pageant that will include a "River of Hope" section made up of 200 silk flags that will make its way through The Mall, appearing like a moving river.
July: The Royal Collection Trust
Three displays marking the Queen's accession to the throne, the Coronation and Jubilees will be put on at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
