It is a historic first address for both King Charles and the United Kingdom, as it is the first time a male monarch has delivered a televised speech on December 25.
During his inaugural Christmas Day address, the King paid tribute to individuals struggling to “pay their bills and keep their families nourished and warm” amid the cost of living crisis.
It is a historic first address for both King Charles and the United Kingdom, as it is the first time a male monarch has delivered a televised speech on December 25.
In 1951, King George VI was the last monarch to deliver a holiday address. At the time, television ownership was not as widespread as it is now, therefore his address was carried over the radio.
In addition to praising his late mother, the King lauded other working members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, with photographs of official occasions.
Notably absent were photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who ceased working royal duties in 2020.
Instead, the King’s son and daughter-in-law were displayed during a September visit to St Thomas Church in Swansea, when he stated, “The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shedding light on concrete examples of community spirit.”
Other members of the Royal Family were present at formal occasions, such as the Queen’s visit to the RAF Club in London in 2018 and the Queen Consort’s gifting of Paddington bears to youngsters in remembrance of the late king.
Also featured were the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Royal.
The year is coming to a close after a difficult few months for the new monarch, who had to deal with the aftermath of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary and accusations of racism inside inner royal circles.
Reflection of the late Queen’s address
The King spoke about the “severe concern and difficulty” experienced by many, with footage of a foodbank and other scenes of meals being handed to the homeless accompanying his message.
In addition, he lauded volunteers, praising the “wonderfully generous people” who gave food or their time during the harsh economic slump.
The monarch conducted his historic Christmas broadcast from the apse of St. George’s Chapel, repeating the late Queen’s 1999 festive speech, and it followed his mother’s well-established format, a personal reflection on the year, commenting on current issues, and having a Christian foundation.
The pre-recorded message began with the King reflecting on how he was standing “so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father” in the King George VI Memorial Chapel. He then thanked the public for the “love and sympathy” expressed in condolence cards and messages.
However, the King also acknowledged other religions, stressing how religious communities helped those in financial need and, like Christians, believed in the “power of light to overcome darkness.”
An ode to the Queen
It was a celebration of “selfless dedication,” a principle exemplified by Queen Elizabeth II and represented in the activities of many, from the emergency services to public-spirited citizens, who contributed to creating and strengthening communities.
There was footage of the Armed Forces and emergency services at work, beginning with soldiers lugging sandbags and ending with physicians and nurses on a ward and home care staff.
A few days before the late Queen’s funeral on October 19, the King told faith leaders gathered at Buckingham Palace that as monarch he had an important duty to protect “…the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for faith itself and its practice through the religions, cultures, traditions, and beliefs to which our hearts direct us as individuals.”
In his Christmas speech, he acknowledged these other faiths by stating, “Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras have once again cooperated to feed the hungry and provide love and support throughout the year.
This is the most amazing manifestation of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.
The collection of video clips depicting the King at official events includes footage of him wearing a Sikh rumal, or handkerchief, on his head as a sign of respect during a visit to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Luton earlier this month, and receiving condolences from the public during a walkabout outside Buckingham Palace in September.
His faith was also a prominent theme, as he spoke of fulfilling a “lifelong ambition” to visit Bethlehem in 2020 and stand near the sacred location in the Church of the Nativity, which Christians believe to be the site where Jesus Christ was born.
