Britain's Queen Elizabeth has delivered her first ever Christmas Day message in 3D.

In her annual pre-recorded message, the queen paid tribute to the athletes and the “army of volunteers” that participated in the London Olympics and the Paralympics.

“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. We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort 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.”

Queen Elizabeth also said she was struck by the “strength of fellowship and friendship” shown by those who gathered for her jubilee anniversary which marked her 60 years on the throne.

“The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was of course especially memorable for me and my family. It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.”

The tradition of the monarch's Christmas speech began with a radio address by her father King George the fifth in 1932. Tuesday's message was aired shortly after Queen Elizabeth attended a church service in Sandringham with members of the royal family.

Meanwhile in another technological advancement, the head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, live tweeted his Christmas Day sermon.

Rowan Williams said that last month's vote by England's state church not to allow women bishops was “deeply painful”.

“In the deeply painful aftermath of the synod's vote last month, what was startling was how many people who certainly wouldn't have said yes to the census question turned out to have a sort of investment in the church, a desire to see the church looking credible.”

Williams steps down as leader of the world's 80-million member Anglican Communion at the end of December after serving 10 years in his post. He will be replaced next year by former oil executive Justin Welby.