Queen's Christmas Message Will Be In 3D

The Queen's Christmas message is to be screened in 3D and HD for the first time, it has been announced.

The traditional broadcast will go hi-tech to allow viewers to scrutinise the Queen as never before in her Diamond Jubilee year.

However, viewers will also be able to see the 86-year-old monarch in normal definition during the speech, which will be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day.

Sky's royal correspondent Paul Harrison said it is the first time any member of the royal family has embraced 3D.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen thought it was "absolutely lovely" and was very keen on the idea.

A spokeswoman said: "We wanted to do something a bit different and special in this Jubilee year, so doing it for the first time in 3D seemed a good thing, technology-wise, to do.

"The Queen absolutely agreed straight away, there was no need for convincing at all, she was absolutely ready to embrace something new in this year."

It is not known what her message, which is being produced by Sky News this year, will contain but events such as the London Olympics and Diamond Jubilee are likely to feature prominently.