“Merry Christmas to the Patriarch of Serbia Mr Irinej, the clergy and all the believers of the Serbian Orthodox Church who celebrate Christmas, and I hope this most joyous of Christian holidays brings health, peace and happiness into their homes.

I wish that in the days of joy and holiday cheer we turn to one another full of consideration, respect, understanding for our differences, show love to our fellow men, and think of those who cannot be with us.