Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Egypt Brotherhood 'terrorist group'

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood declared 'terrorist group'

Supporters of Mohammed Morsi at a protest in Cairo on 20 December 2013 Supporters of Mohammed Morsi have held demonstrations since 3 July

The military-backed interim Egyptian government has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group after blaming it for a deadly attack on a police HQ earlier this week.

The group, whose candidate Mohammed Morsi won the presidential poll last year before being deposed by the military, had already been outlawed.

Thousands of its supporters have been arrested in a crackdown.

This escalation gives the authorities more power to crack down on them.

Deputy Prime Minister Hossam Eissa announced the move, saying that those who belonged to the group, financed it or promoted its activities would face punishment.

He said the decision was in response to Tuesday's suicide bombing of a police headquarters in Mansoura, in the Nile Delta, which killed 16 people and wounded more than 100.

"Egypt was horrified from north to south by the hideous crime committed by the Muslim Brotherhood group," Mr Eissa said.

"This was in context of dangerous escalation to violence against Egypt and Egyptians and a clear declaration by the Muslim Brotherhood group that it still knows nothing but violence.

"It's not possible for Egypt the state nor Egypt the people to submit to the Muslim Brotherhood terrorism."

The Brotherhood has denied being responsible for the attack, and an al-Qaida inspired group has claimed responsibility.

Banned

Brotherhood supporters have staged protests since Mr Morsi's government - the first to be democratically elected in Egypt - was toppled on 3 July following widespread anti-Brotherhood demonstrations.

The authorities blame the Brotherhood for the rash of militant attacks that have hit Egypt, a claim the group strongly denies.

The 85-year-old Islamist movement was banned by Egypt's military rulers in 1954, but registered an NGO called the Muslim Brotherhood Association in March this year in response to a court case bought by opponents who contested its legal status.

The Brotherhood also has a political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), which was set up in 2011 as a "non-theocratic" group after the uprising that forced President Hosni Mubarak from power.

Following Mr Morsi's overthrow and the suspension of the Islamist-friendly 2012 constitution, the Cairo administrative court and the social solidarity ministry were tasked with reviewing the Brotherhood's legal status.

In September, a ruling by the Cairo Court for Urgent Matters banned the Brotherhood itself, the NGO, as well as "any institution derived from or belonging to the Brotherhood" or "receiving financial support from it".

Queen reflects on new royal birth

Christmas message: Queen reflects on year of Prince George's birth

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2013

The Queen has reflected on the birth of her great-grandson Prince George in her traditional Christmas Day broadcast.

She said the arrival of a new baby gave people the chance to think about the future with "renewed hope".

And she had a message for new parents, saying that for them "life will never be the same again".

The Queen also talked about the 60th anniversary of her coronation, the role of the Commonwealth and next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The message, broadcast on both television and radio, was recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, in the blue drawing room.

'Take stock'

Sitting at a desk, in front of family photographs, the Queen said: "Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas. As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among members of the Royal Family at church for the first of two services

The broadcast included behind-the-scenes footage of the photoshoot at Clarence House that marked the christening of the infant prince under the direction of celebrity portrait photographer Jason Bell.

The son of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge was christened in October at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Later that day a historic picture of four generations of the Royal Family - the Queen, Prince of Wales, Princes William and George - was taken to mark the baby's christening.

The Queen added: "As with all who are christened, George was baptised into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service. After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph. It was a happy occasion."

The Queen also talked about the need for reflection generally and said: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Prince George's Christening Behind-the-scenes footage of Prince George's christening was broadcast
Christmas service

She also recalled the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the day she was crowned Queen, in June.

"The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the coronation, many of them for the better, and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighbourliness," she recalled.

She also paid tribute to members of the armed forces who are not with their families at Christmas, saying: "We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe."

And she looked ahead to 2014, when Glasgow will be staging the Commonwealth Games.

The Games baton is currently on its way around the 70 competing nations and territories having left London in October and she says: "Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life."

The Queen started Christmas Day by attending the traditional service at church in Sandringham, near the royal estate where she and members of the Royal Family have come together.

The Queen receives a bunch of flowers from a child after the service The Queen receives a bunch of flowers from a child after the Christmas morning service at Sandringham
Queen's gown

The Christmas address is written by the Queen - one of the few occasions when she can air her own views with no input from the government.

It usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and draws on her own experiences over the year.

This year's message was produced by the BBC and was shown in Commonwealth countries around the world.

The Queen's gown, a single crepe wool primrose dress which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011, was designed by Angela Kelly.

On her left shoulder is a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's christening.

The message is being made available on the Royal Channel on YouTube after transmission.

Power 'to remain out for Christmas'

Power 'to remain out for Christmas'

car under water in dorking Flooding has caused Christmas chaos for many people across the UK

Anyone still cut off from power following the recent storms is unlikely to have it restored until Boxing Day, the Energy Network Association says.

Some 50,000 homes were left without electricity after rain and wind lashed the country in the run up to Christmas.

Two severe flood warnings remain in place in Dorset, and many people have been evacuated from homes overnight.

Gatwick Airport was running a full service but advised people to check with airlines before travelling.

Pope urges aid access to Syria

Pope Francis urges aid access to Syria in Christmas speech

Pope Francis holds the baby Jesus statue at the end of the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24, 2013 Pope Francis gave his first Christmas Eve Mass as pontiff on Tuesday

Pope Francis has used his first Christmas Day address to urge access for humanitarian aid in Syria.

He told thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square in the Vatican to pray for a peaceful end to violence in Syria and other conflict zones.

The Argentine pope also said tragic incidents involving migrants trying to reach Europe should not be repeated.

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

It was the third successive year that the Syrian conflict had been a main focus of the Christmas speech, one of the addresses known as Urbi et Orbi.

The Pope said too many lives had been lost in Syria, and urged all parties to bring an end to violence and allow humanitarian relief.

He also highlighted violence in Central African Republic.

Pope Francis called it an "often forgotten and overlooked" conflict in a country "torn apart by a spiral of violence and poverty".

Pope Francis celebrates the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24 Thousands queued to get into Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica
People play a nativity scene during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, on December 24 Outside, in St Peter's Square, actors performed a nativity play

On Tuesday evening thousands gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The nearby Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born.

Correspondents said it was the biggest crowd to attend the event in years.

Latin Patriarch Archbishop Fouad Twal, the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, called on the crowd to be "brothers with each other".

Pope Francis celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass since becoming pontiff at St Peter's Basilica.

In a short homily, Francis said that every Christian can choose between darkness and light, between love and hate.

Pope begins first Christmas speech

Pope Francis begins first Christmas speech

Pope Francis holds the baby Jesus statue at the end of the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24, 2013 Pope Francis gave his first Christmas Eve Mass as pontiff on Tuesday

Pope Francis has begun to make his first Christmas address as pontiff in front of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

The Argentine pope is expected to tackle themes such as global poverty, which he has focused on since taking over from Benedict in March this year.

Last year Benedict used his Christmas address to call for peace in Syria.

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

On Tuesday evening thousands gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The nearby Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born.

Pope Francis celebrates the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24 Thousands queued to get into Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica
People play a nativity scene during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, on December 24 Outside, in St Peter's Square, actors performed a nativity play

Correspondents said it was the biggest crowd to attend the event in years.

Latin Patriarch Archbishop Fouad Twal, the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, called on the crowd to be "brothers with each other".

Pope Francis celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass since becoming pontiff at St Peter's Basilica.

In a short homily, Francis said that every Christian can choose between darkness and light, between love and hate.

"If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us," he said.

On Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his Christmas message from the basilica's central balcony overlooking St Peter's Square.

Floods and power cuts hit thousands

Thousands hit by floods and power cuts at Christmas

Tonbridge on Christmas Eve Tonbridge in Kent saw flooding on Christmas Eve

Flooding is causing difficulties for thousands of people in southern England after stormy weather lashed the UK.

Three severe flood warnings are in place in Surrey and Dorset, with many people rescued from homes overnight.

And some 50,000 homes, mostly in southern England, are without electricity on Christmas morning.

Gatwick Airport said it was running a full service, but advised people to check with airlines before flying after floods caused cancellations on Tuesday.

Armed police had to be called in to man information desks and deal with furious passengers who were stranded or delayed, one man told the BBC.

A spokeswoman said all flights apart from those with British Airways would be departing from the South terminal on Wednesday.

Risk of flooding

The River Mole in Surrey has burst its banks in several areas and an Environment Agency severe flood warning - which means a danger to life - has been issued for Leatherhead.

Severe flood warnings are also in place for Beaulieu Garden Park Home site and Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset.

Man wades through rising floodwater from the River Mole outside the Burford Bridge Hotel near Dorking on December 24 2013 Rising floodwater from the River Mole has affected residents in Surrey
Leatherhead in Surrey People in Leatherhead, Surrey were faced with a watery Christmas morning
Tonbridge A supermarket car park was left flooded in Tonbridge on Tuesday
A power failure at Gatwick caused delays and cancellations A power failure at Gatwick caused delays and cancellations

And a "multi-agency response" to flooding is taking place in Godalming on the River Wey.

The Environment Agency said the River Medway in Kent had continued to rise and flood risks would continue for three days, affecting areas including Tonbridge, Allington and Mereworth.

Flooding and storm damage has left many without power, possibly until Boxing Day, as Ben Moore reports

The Coastguard rescued 76 people from a flooded caravan park in Yalding on Christmas Eve, moving residents by boat and in four-by-four vehicles to a leisure centre in the early evening.

In other developments:

  • Emergency services have been evacuating homes in Tonbridge.
  • Wiltshire Police say the historic Lacock Bridge has been washed away in the bad weather.
  • Surrey Fire and Rescue tweeted to say "many rescues" were being made.
  • A severe flood warning has been issued for Iford Home Park, a residential development on the River Stour, near Bournemouth, Dorset, and police evacuated the park overnight. About 90 residents were being accommodated at the Boscombe Day Centre in Boscombe.
  • Firefighters in Surrey and Kent broke a five-hour nationwide strike to help deal with the effects of the storms.
  • On the roads, many major routes were flooded or blocked in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Cornwall.
  • In Dorset, fire crews rescued 25 people trapped in their cars by flood water.
  • The Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry crossings says it is taking the unusual step of operating a Christmas Day sailing following cancellations during the day.
  • Airline easyJet says it is operating a limited number of flights from Gatwick Airport to replace ones that should have operated on Christmas Eve.

The power cut at Gatwick's north terminal was caused by flooding on the Mole which affected airfield substations and saw more than 30 flights cancelled and police called in to man information desks.

Steve Wood said the flood waters had reached houses on the High Street in Tonbridge, Kent

Around 100 flights are due to leave Gatwick on Christmas Day - including some services rescheduled from Tuesday - and passengers are advised to check with their airlines before setting off for the airport.

Joe Pattinson, 35, from Wokingham in Surrey, had been due to fly from Gatwick to Barcelona but ended up returning home amid the "absolute confusion".

"We'd been waiting for three hours in the queue. There was no information and we couldn't find anyone to explain what we should be doing. Eventually three armed police turned up to try and calm people down."

Jamie Whiteford arrived at Gatwick at 05:30 on Christmas Eve and spent more than 12 hours waiting at the airport for his flight to Edinburgh to depart before it was eventually cancelled.

"Eventually all [flights] were cancelled and this caused angry scenes at a flight to Naples which involved a police presence and very confused and untrained staff."

The Energy Networks Association said about 50,000 homes were still without power across the UK and engineers were working through the night to get provision running for Christmas Day.

Power supplier Southern Electric said some 19,500 of its customers, most of them in South Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, could remain without power overnight.

People still without power in Wigton area of Cumbria, but Electricity North West have said most should be reconnected by mid morning.

Engineers will restart work on Christmas Day, a spokesperson for the company said.

UK Power Networks, which supplies power to people in the south of England, said there were more than 32,000 without power in the South East and the east of England.

Meanwhile, about 800 homes in the north of Scotland are still without power, mainly around the Deeside area, Buchan, Elgin, Wick and the Western Isles.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution said about 400 of its staff are working to reconnect the properties this evening.

Winds gusting up to 80 mph caused disruption to Christmas travel in Scotland, with the Northern and Western Isles hit by ferry and flight cancellations.

There has been heavy rain in Northern Ireland, while winds in Wales have reached 78mph in Pembrey and 77mph in Aberdaron.

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More than 10 flood warnings remain in place across mainland Scotland, with high tide being accompanied by heavy rainfall, but the number is beginning to fall.

The Environment Agency has about 120 flood warnings in place for England and Wales - signifying that flooding is "expected", and more than 200 flood alerts, where flooding is "possible".

BBC Radio Cumbria are reporting that more than 1,000 homes are without electricity in the county. Electricity North West says there is a problem with overhead lines, probably caused by strong winds.

Winds are expected to ease today, before heavy rain and gales pick up again on Friday.

Pope set for first Christmas speech

Pope Francis set for first Christmas speech

Pope Francis holds the baby Jesus statue at the end of the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24, 2013 Pope Francis gave his first Christmas Eve Mass as pontiff on Tuesday

Pope Francis is set to make his first Christmas address as pontiff in front of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

The Argentine pope is expected to tackle themes such as global poverty, which he has focused on since taking over from Benedict in March this year.

Last year Benedict used his Christmas address to call for peace in Syria.

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

On Tuesday evening thousands gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The nearby Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born.

Pope Francis celebrates the Christmas night mass in the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 24 Thousands queued to get into Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica
People play a nativity scene during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, on December 24 Outside, in St Peter's Square, actors performed a nativity play

Correspondents said it was the biggest crowd to attend the event in years.

Latin Patriarch Archbishop Fouad Twal, the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, called on the crowd to be "brothers with each other".

Pope Francis celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass since becoming pontiff at St Peter's Basilica.

In a short homily, Francis said that every Christian can choose between darkness and light, between love and hate.

"If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us," he said.

On Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his Christmas message from the basilica's central balcony overlooking St Peter's Square.

Thousands face floods and power cuts

Storm leaves thousands facing Christmas floods and power cuts

BBC weather forecaster Stav Danaos has the outlook for the Christmas period

Flooding is causing difficulties for thousands of people in southern England after stormy weather lashed the UK.

Two severe flood warnings are in place in Surrey and Dorset, and some residents needed to be rescued from their homes overnight.

Meanwhile, thousands of properties, mostly in southern England, are facing Christmas morning without power.

Flooding at a Gatwick Airport power station saw flights cancelled on Friday and anger among stranded passengers.

The River Mole in Surrey has burst its banks in several areas.

An Environment Agency severe flood warning - which means a danger to life - was issued for the Mole at Leatherhead, with already high levels of water expected to peak around midnight.

A power failure at Gatwick caused delays and cancellations A power failure at Gatwick caused delays and cancellations

At 01:34 on Christmas Day the agency said river levels were beginning to fall but remained high, with properties near Leatherhead still at risk of flooding.

A "multi-agency response" to flooding is also taking place in Godalming on the River Wey.

The Environment Agency said the River Medway in Kent had continued to rise and flood risks would continue for three days.

Kent Police said the river had flooded areas from Tonbridge to Allington, with Mereworth and Yalding - where 76 people were rescued by the Coastguard from a flooded caravan park - badly affected.

Emergency services have started evacuating people from their homes in Tonbridge.

Surrey Fire and Rescue tweeted just before 22:00 GMT to say "many rescues" were being made due to the floods.

At 04:03 GMT, the Environment Agency issued a severe flood warning for at Iford Home Park, a residential development on the River Stour, near Bournemouth.

The power cut at Gatwick's north terminal was caused by flooding on the Mole which affected airfield substations and saw more than 30 flights cancelled.

All departures, apart from British Airways, were switched to the South terminal and police were called in to man information desks.

Around 90 flights are due to leave Gatwick on Christmas Day - including some services rescheduled from Tuesday - and no delays are anticipated, although passengers are advised to check with their airlines before setting off for the airport.

Gatwick said: "Due to adverse weather in the last 48 hours there are still power outages in parts of our North Terminal. These are causing delays to departing flights and our engineers are on site rectifying this."

Steve Wood said the flood waters had reached houses on the High Street in Tonbridge, Kent

It added that all flights would continue to be operated through the South Terminal except for British Airways.

Joe Pattinson, 35, from Wokingham in Surrey, had been due to fly from Gatwick to Barcelona but has ended up returning home.

"It was absolute confusion," he said.

"We'd been waiting for three hours in the queue. There was no information and we couldn't find anyone to explain what we should be doing. Eventually three armed police turned up to try and calm people down.

"Lots of people were getting angry and shouting, they were booing the police and arguing with each other."

Jamie Whiteford arrived at Gatwick at 05:30 on Christmas Eve and spent more than 12 hours waiting at the airport for his flight to Edinburgh to depart before it was eventually cancelled.

"Flights around us began to cancel despite being told they were waiting on the buses to transport them and the aircraft were ready.

"Eventually all were cancelled and this caused angry scenes at a flight to Naples which involved a police presence and very confused and untrained staff.

"As I work in the very top end of customer service in central London, I am appalled and disgusted that no one came even admit to fault. It has only angered people more. The faces on families is heartbreaking."

'Restaurant appeal'

The Energy Networks Association said about 75,000 homes were still without power across the UK after "notable collisions" along power lines during the stormy weather.

Power supplier Southern Electric said 44,000 of its customers remained without power.

It said about 19,500 of its customers, most of them in South Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, could be without power overnight.

Engineers will restart work on Christmas Day, a spokesperson for the company said.

UK Power Networks, which supplies power to eight million people in the south of England, said it was aiming to restore power to everyone by the end of Boxing Day. Those whose power is not on by midnight should make contingency plans, it said.

It said it had "appealed to restaurants and pubs in areas still affected by the storm, to let us know if they have any availability to accommodate our customers should they still be without power from the storm tomorrow".

In Devon, a man died after jumping into the River Lemon to rescue his dog.

Witnesses saw the 46-year-old enter the river before being swept away, police said, and he later died in hospital. The dog escaped unharmed.

Meanwhile, about 800 homes in the north of Scotland are still without power, mainly around the Deeside area, Buchan, Elgin, Wick and the Western Isles.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution said about 400 of its staff are working to reconnect the properties this evening.

Winds gusting up to 80 mph caused disruption to Christmas travel in Scotland, with the Northern and Western Isles hit by ferry and flight cancellations.

There has been heavy rain in Northern Ireland, while winds in Wales have reached 78mph in Pembrey and 77mph in Aberdaron.

A post mortem examination has been carried out on a woman whose body was recovered from a fast-flowing stream in heavy rain in Gwynedd on Monday.

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The Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry crossings. ferry said it would take the unusual step of operating a Christmas Day sailing following cancellations during the day.

More than 10 flood warnings remain in place across mainland Scotland, with high tide being accompanied by heavy rainfall, but the number is beginning to fall.

The Environment Agency has about 120 flood warnings in place for England and Wales - signifying that flooding is "expected", and more than 200 flood alerts, where flooding is "possible".

BBC Radio Cumbria are reporting that more than 1,000 homes are without electricity in the county. Electricity North West says there is a problem with overhead lines, probably caused by strong winds.

There has been widespread disruption to train services because of the weather with Southern, South West, East Coast, First Capital Connect, Virgin Trains, Arriva Trains Wales and East Coast running amended services.

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations at Network Rail, said engineers had cleared scores of line blockages and over 200 trees since the stormy weather moved into the UK from the Atlantic during Monday.

Man wades through rising floodwater from the River Mole outside the Burford Bridge Hotel near Dorking on December 24 2013 Rising floodwater from the River Mole has affected residents in Surrey
A helicopter caught this dramatic image of two light aircraft scattered and upturned at the Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey A helicopter caught this dramatic image of two light aircraft scattered and upturned at the Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey
Iford Bridge at Farleigh Hungerford Iford Bridge at Farleigh Hungerford in Somerset was partially submerged under flood water

Reflective theme for Queen's speech

Queen to reflect on memorable year in Christmas broadcast

The Queen recording her Christmas Day message The Christmas Day message was recorded early in December

The Queen will talk about the need to pause for reflection as she looks back on a memorable year in her traditional Christmas Day broadcast.

The birth of her first great-grandson, Prince George, and the 60th anniversary of her coronation are among the events to feature in the speech.

She will also contemplate the role of the Commonwealth and look ahead to 2014's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The message will be broadcast on both television and radio at 1500 GMT.

It was recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, in the blue drawing room.

'Take stock'

Sitting at a desk, in front of family photographs, the Queen will say: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Prince George's Christening Behind-the-scenes footage of Prince George's christening will be broadcast

She will also talk about the birth of Prince George on 22 July, her third great grandchild.

"The arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope," she will say.

The broadcast includes behind-the-scenes footage will be shown of the photoshoot at Clarence House that marked the christening of the infant prince.

The son of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge was christened in October at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Later that day a historic picture of four generations of the Royal Family - the Queen, Prince of Wales, Princes William and George - was taken to mark the baby's christening.

Queen's gown

The Christmas address is written by the Queen - one of the few occasions when she can air her own views with no input from the government.

It usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and draws on her own experiences over the year.

This year's message was produced by the BBC and will be shown in Commonwealth countries around the world.

The Queen's gown, a single crepe wool primrose dress which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011, was designed by Angela Kelly.

On her left shoulder is a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's christening.

The message will be available on the Royal Channel on YouTube after it has been transmitted.

Christmas crowds gather in Bethlehem

Bethlehem: Christmas crowds gather in town

The BBC's Yolande Knell says there is a "party atmosphere" in Manger Square in Bethlehem

Large crowds have gathered in the biblical town of Bethlehem to begin Christmas Eve celebrations.

Tourists packed Manger Square in a party atmosphere, a BBC correspondent says.

The nearby Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where the Bible says Jesus was born.

Meanwhile in St Peter's Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis is celebrating his first Christmas Eve Mass since becoming pontiff.

He earlier made a visit to Pope Emeritus Benedict, 86, and said he found his predecessor looking well.

The number of visitors to Bethlehem has been steadily rising in recent years as peace talks to resolve the Middle East conflict have resumed.

Christian pilgrims pray at the Church of the Nativity during Christmas celebrations in the West Bank biblical town of Bethlehem Christian pilgrims pray at the Church of the Nativity during Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem
A Christian pilgrim prays inside the Grotto in the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, during Christmas celebrations in the West Bank biblical town of Bethlehem A pilgrim prays inside the church's grotto. The church is believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus
Young women wearing traditional Palestinian costumes take part in a Christmas procession at Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity, the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Young women wearing traditional Palestinian costumes take part in a procession on Manger Square
Christian pilgrims gather near a Santa Claus dummy at Manger Square in Bethlehem Father Christmas also joins in the Christmas celebrations in Manger Square
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem waves from a car as he is driven through an Israeli checkpoint into Bethlehem to attend Christmas celebrations The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is driven through an Israeli checkpoint into Bethlehem to attend the celebrations
Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Mass Pope Francis is celebrating his first Christmas Mass since becoming Pontiff

Despite the erection of Israel's separation barrier with the West Bank - which appears as a high concrete wall around the town - three gates have been opened for Christmas to allow the Christmas procession led by the Latin Patriarch coming from Jerusalem to enter the city, says the BBC's Yolande Knell in Bethlehem.

"The message of Christmas is a message of peace, love and brotherhood. We have to be brothers with each other,'' said Latin Patriarch Archbishop Fouad Twal - the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land - as he arrived in town.

His motorcade crawled through Bethlehem's narrow streets as he stopped to greet visitors.

It took Archbishop Twal nearly 90 minutes to make the short trip to the Church of the Nativity, where thousands of people were gathered ahead of Midnight Mass.

In Vatican City, a life-sized nativity scene has been unveiled in the centre of St Peter's Square.

The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says thousands of worshippers from across Italy and around the world queued on a cold clear night before entering St Peter's.

As soaring music filled the air, Pope Francis made his entrance and moved slowly up the central aisle, followed by a retinue of clerics.

In a short homily, Francis said that every Christian can choose between darkness and light, between love and hate.

"If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us," he said.

On Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his Christmas message from the basilica's central balcony overlooking St Peter's Square.

BBC Rome Correspondent Alan Johnston says the Pope may well use his address to focus attention on places where at the moment there is more darkness than light - such as troubled parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Thousands dead in S Sudan, UN says

Thousands dead in South Sudan violence, UN says

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: "The world is watching" South Sudan

Thousands of people must have been killed in the past week of violence in South Sudan, the top UN humanitarian co-ordinator there has told the BBC.

Toby Lanzer, who is in Bentiu in northern Unity state, said it had been "a devastating week for South Sudan".

The UN Security Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to almost double the number of peacekeepers to 12,500.

Earlier President Salva Kiir said his forces had recaptured the key town of Bor days after it was seized by rebels.

The rebels are led by Riek Machar, of the ethnic Nuer, who has been battling President Kiir, of the Dinka.

The UN also said on Tuesday that it had reports of at least three mass graves.

One was in Bentiu in the north, and two in the capital, Juba.

In a Christmas message, Mr Kiir said "innocent people have been wantonly killed", adding: "There are now people who are targeting others because of their tribal affiliation. It will only lead to one thing and that is to turn this new nation into chaos."

'Palpable fear'

Mr Lanzer told the BBC's Newshour programme: "I think it's undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives.

"When I've looked at the hospitals in key towns and I've looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it's hundreds of people who've lost their lives."

Mr Lanzer also said that the number of people seeking shelter from the fighting was "tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands".

He said that the tensions between different communities in South Sudan was even evident within a UN base he had just visited where some 7,500 people are seeking protection.

Government troops in Juba, 21 Dec Troops loyal to Mr Kiir had moved quickly from Juba to retake Bor

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said: "There is a palpable fear among civilians of both Dinka and Nuer backgrounds that they will be killed on the basis of their ethnicity."

The UN says at least 80,000 people have been displaced by the South Sudan crisis - about half of them seeking shelter with the UN.

Late on Tuesday the UN Security Council voted to increase its peacekeepers from 7,000 to 12,500, and its international police force from 900 to 1,323.

The BBC's James Copnall explains the fighting gripping the world's newest state, South Sudan - in 60 seconds

It authorised temporary transfers from missions in DR Congo, Darfur, Abyei, Ivory Coast and Liberia.

The council called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities and the immediate opening of a dialogue".

'Political solution'

President Kiir earlier told journalists in Juba that his forces had "retaken Bor and are now clearing whatever forces that are remaining there".

Bor, 200km (125 miles) north of Juba, had been one of the major successes for the rebels. They are believed to still be in control of Bentiu.

Salva Kiir, 23 Dec, Juba Salva Kiir has agreed to talks "without preconditions"
Riek Machar, July 2013 Riek Machar says he has formed a delegation for talks in Ethiopia

Radio Tamazuj said government troops of the Sudan People's Liberation Army had launched attacks on positions held by Nuer commander and army defector Peter Gadet on Tuesday afternoon in Bor.

Mr Kiir said there was also fighting in the town of Malakal and that his troops were "ready to capture Bentiu".

President Kiir and Mr Machar have both said they are willing to talk.

However, Mr Machar has said his detained political allies must first be freed, while Mr Kiir says there should be no preconditions.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said there could be "no military solution to this conflict. This is a political crisis which requires a peaceful, political solution".

Mr Kiir has accused Mr Machar, who he sacked in July, of plotting a coup. Mr Machar denies he is trying to seize power.

Sudan suffered a 22-year civil war that left more than a million people dead before the South became independent in 2011.

Map of South Sudan highlight five of the central states affected by violence Fighting erupted in the South Sudan capital, Juba, in mid-December. It followed a power struggle between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and his Nuer ex-deputy Riek Machar. The fear is that the rivalry will spark a widespread ethnic conflict. According to OCHA, 81,000 people have been forced from their homes.
News graphic showing the ethnic groups of South Sudan Sudan's arid north is mainly home to Arabic-speaking Muslims. But in South Sudan there is no dominant culture. The Dinkas and the Nuers are the largest of more than 200 ethnic groups, each with its own languages and traditional beliefs, alongside Christianity and Islam.
Map showing the location of oil fields in South Sudan Both Sudan and the South are reliant on oil revenue, which accounts for 98% of South Sudan's budget. They have fiercely disagreed over how to divide the oil wealth of the former united state - at one time production was shutdown for more than a year. Some 75% of the oil lies in the South but all the pipelines run north
Map showing the geography of South Sudan The two Sudans are very different geographically. The great divide is visible even from space, as this Nasa satellite image shows. The northern states are a blanket of desert, broken only by the fertile Nile corridor. South Sudan is covered by green swathes of grassland, swamps and tropical forest.
Map showing access to water in South Sudan After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan is the world's newest country - and one of its poorest. Figures from 2010 show some 69% of households now have access to clean water - up from 48% in 2006. However, just 2% of households have water on the premises.
Map showing education levels in South Sudan Just 29% of children attend primary school in South Sudan - however this is also an improvement on the 16% recorded in 2006. About 32% of primary-age boys attend, while just 25% of girls do. Overall, 64% of children who begin primary school reach the last grade.
Map showing food insecurity rates in South Sudan Almost 28% of children under the age of five in South Sudan are moderately or severely underweight - this compares with the 33% recorded in 2006. Unity state has the highest proportion of children suffering malnourishment (46%), while Central Equatoria has the lowest (17%).

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