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All many people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug, Queen Elizabeth II has said in her annual festive message, adding these holidays would be hard for those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 or were separated by social restrictions.

In her traditional pre-recorded Christmas Day address to the nation, the 94-year-old monarch repeatedly spoke of hope for the future while acknowledging millions of Britons would be unable to have their usual family celebrations this year.

“Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the…