The Queen has highlighted the importance of of the family in her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth.
In the address, the monarch also spoke of the devastation caused by earthquakes in New Zealand and floods in Australia.
"Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within," she said.
"Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.
"Prince William travelled to New Zealand and Australia in the aftermath of earthquakes, cyclones and floods and saw how communities rose up to rescue the injured, comfort the bereaved and rebuild the cities and towns devastated by nature."
The Queen said family did not necessarily mean blood relatives but often was a description of a community, organisation or nation.
"The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals."
The speech reflected on an eventful year for the Queen, in which her grandson Prince William got married and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, turned 90.
In October, the 85-year-old monarch presided over a major meeting of Commonwealth leaders in Perth, Australia.
The Christmas address is written by the Queen herself, which the BBC says is one of the rare occasions where she does not turn to the government for advice.
The message was recorded on 9 December, before Prince Philip was treated in hospital for a blocked artery.