In her traditional Christmas speech to the nation, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday commended the dedication of the volunteers at the London Olympics and said she was humbled by the numbers who marked her Diamond Jubilee.
"As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes," she said.
She said the success of the event was also because of the efforts of an army of volunteers. "Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe, supported and comforted."
On her Diamond Jubilee, she said: "It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago. People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations."
The speech, broadcast for the first time using 3D technology, is written by the queen herself, one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the government for advice, and usually draws on her personal experiences and religion as well as current affairs.
Before the speech, the queen and her family attended a Christmas service at the St Mary Magdelene Church on her Sandringham estate.
There were some notable absences. Prince Harry is currently serving with British troops in Afghanistan. Prince William and his pregnant wife Catherine were celebrating Christmas in the village of Bucklebury where the Duchess of Cambridge's parents