On Christmas Day, amid the backdrop of war in Ukraine and rising concerns over migration, King Charles III delivered a message of kindness and hope from Westminster Abbey.
The Broadcast
Charles delivered his annual holiday address from Westminster Abbey, a site known for coronations and royal weddings, and the focus of an annual pilgrimage honoring Edward the Confessor. The pre-recorded speech was broadcast at 3 p.m. London time, a moment when many families were enjoying their traditional Christmas lunch. The king’s address is one of the rare occasions when he voices his own views without seeking guidance from the government.
Themes of Kindness and Pilgrimage
In his speech, Charles reflected on the Christmas story of wise men and shepherds traveling through the night to find their saviour. He said, “To this day, in times of uncertainty, these ways of living are treasured by all the great faiths and provide us with deep wells of hope, of resilience in the face of adversity.” He added, “Peace through forgiveness, simply getting to know our neighbours and by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships.” “In this, with the great diversity of our communities, we can find the strength to ensure that right triumphs over wrong,” he added.
Charles also spoke about pilgrimage, saying, “Pilgrimage is a word less used today, but it is of particular significance for our modern world, and especially at Christmas.” He explained that pilgrimage is “about journeying forward into the future, while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons.” The king linked this idea to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, urging that the courage and sacrifice of those who fought the war must be remembered as communities came together “in the face of such great challenge.”
“These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth,” he said. “As we hear of division, both at home and abroad, they are the values of which we must never lose sight.”
Family Pilgrimage
Earlier in the day, Charles and his family made a pilgrimage on foot to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the king’s private Sandringham Estate, about 100 miles north of London. The king, Queen Camilla, Prince William and his wife Catherine, and their children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, walked to the church and greeted crowds of people after the service. The footage of the family walking, standing with the congregation, and meeting the public was included in a video that accompanied the broadcast.
Context of Ukraine and UK Politics
The speech concluded with a Ukrainian choir singing a carol, a reminder of the war in Ukraine that shadows Europe. European leaders are rallying support for Ukraine, while there are signs that U.S. President Donald Trump is losing patience with America’s traditional European allies. At home, British politics have become increasingly bitter as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government struggles to control unauthorized migration and bolster creaking public services.
Health Update
This year’s address comes just two weeks after Charles made a deeply personal television appearance in which he said “good news” from his doctors meant that he would be able to reduce his treatment for cancer in the new year. The king was diagnosed with a still undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. Buckingham Palace says his treatment is now moving to a “precautionary phase” and his condition will be monitored to ensure his continued recovery.
Closing Message
The king’s message was clear. Even if some years had passed, there’s always hope to start over. Peace is possible. The broadcast was accompanied by a video of members of the royal family, from the king to his grandchildren, meeting with the public and carrying out their royal duties. The event also highlighted the king’s historic trip to the Vatican, where he worked to forge closer relations between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. It was the first time since King Henry VIII severed ties with Rome that leaders of the two Christian churches, divided for centuries over issues that now include the ordination of female priests in the Church of England, have prayed together.
A Light-Hearted Moment
King Charles received a unique greeting while down under. The 75-year-old monarch had a hilarious reaction after an alpaca dressed in his regal attire, a crown and bowtie, sneezed on him as he went to say hello.
