EVERY YEAR, since 1957, Queen Elizabeth II has delivered a televised Christmas message. A comparison of her first address from Sandringham with this year’s message is a study in contrasts and the downward slide of the British monarchy. In the first message, a sober 31-year-old queen reflects on the unsettling pace of technological change and warns of grave moral peril. The habits and principles of the British people, upon which the commonwealth relies, are in danger.

In last month’s message, the Queen makes no mention of moral decline, though 1957 seems innocent and virtous by comparison. She praises team sports, which she equates with the King James Bible as a vehicle for bringing about world harmony. The speech includes video clips which suggest the most talented and promising people in Britain and the commonwealth are black. Soccer, not a moral and upright people, is the answer for multicultural Britain. Well, what else can the Queen say? Everything she feared might happen in 1957 has come true.