The Queen has woven personal reflections into her annual Christmas message, offering the customary wishes for peace and saying she hoped she had attained a measure of wisdom during her 92 years.
"Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom," Queen Elizabeth said in a pre-recorded message broadcast on Tuesday.
"I'd like to think so. Perhaps part of that wisdom is to recognise some of life's baffling paradoxes, such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good and yet a capacity for evil."
On a lighter note, the Queen noted that 2018 was a busy year for her family with two weddings, two new babies and another due next year.
"It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied," she said.
The annual message was broadcast to many of the 53 Commonwealth countries after the Queen and senior royals attended a church service on the outskirts of one of her country estates.
The Queen and other members of the British royal family received cheers from a Christmas crowd when they arrived.
A chauffeured limousine delivered the 92-year-old monarch to St Mary Magdalene Church, while younger royals walked from nearby Sandringham House.
Prince Charles led the way, followed by his sons: Prince William and his wife, Catherine, and Prince Harry and his pregnant wife, Meghan.
Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their first child in spring, walked arm in arm next to William and Catherine.
Many in the crowd wished them "merry Christmas" as they strolled to the church in the English countryside on a cold, wintry morning.
During the 45-minute service the congregation sang the traditional carols and afterwards, people gave them flowers as they headed back for a traditional Christmas lunch.
Prince Philip, 97, did not attend the service and was to spend the day relaxing privately with his family.
Charles' wife Camilla, who is recovering from flu, also missed church.
William and Catherine's three children - Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and 8-month-old Prince Louis, also stayed home.
Prince Andrew, the queen's son, arrived by car with his mother. Princess Eugenie, another of the queen's grandchildren, arrived with husband Jack Brooksbank.
