by Mick the Ram

Ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech, which this year King Charles III delivered from a different location to that which has been used over the past decade, His Majesty and Queen Camilla attended a church service on their Sandringham estate.

His annual message included reference to 80th Anniversary of D-Day, present day conflicts, and his own health issues.

Earlier hundreds of cheering onlookers had watched the royal couple, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children – 11-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte who is nine, and six-year old Prince Louis – walk to St Mary Magdalene Church.

Other royals in attendance included, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, daughter Lady Louise Windsor, the Princess Royal, her daughter and grand-daughter Zara and Lena Elizabeth Tindall, plus Lady Chatto, the daughter of the late Princess Margaret.    

A notable absentee was Prince Andrew who had been asked to stay away from all Christmas royal events after his connection to Yang Tengbo – who was named as an alleged Chinese spy earlier this week – became public knowledge.

Tough year for royal health

The King’s speech – formerly the Queen’s speech before Elizabeth II’s death in 2022 – follows a tradition dating back to 1932, when George V made the first Christmas broadcast.

For the first time this year the Christmas speech made by the monarch was delivered from a former hospital chapel, in a year in which the King and Princess Catherine have been undergoing cancer treatment.

Healthcare location important to Charles

The Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, once served as the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital to serve staff and patients.

It is the first time in more than a decade that the Christmas speech has been recorded from a place that isn’t in a royal palace or estate – and it’s understood that the King wanted a location with a connection to those working in healthcare.

19th century building

The small chapel, decorated in the Gothic Revival style with shimmering mosaics and Byzantine influences, is tucked away in Pearson Square, in a quiet corner of London’s West End.

The ornately-decorated 19th Century building is now used for exhibitions and community events for people of any faiths and none.

Remembering the veterans

Charles opened his message by speaking about the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, and recalled his enormous privilege of meeting what he said were the “remarkable veterans of that very special generation who gave of themselves so courageously, on behalf of us all.”

He spoke of how he was touched by their stories and called their example of service and selflessness an “inspiration to reach across the generations.”

Making a difference

He then moved on to talk of the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere. “We think of the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to bring vital relief.”

He described how Jesus’ example of entering the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives and bring hope where there is despair, is something everyone should follow.

Impressed by the dedication

Continuing, the King said: “All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another is a measure of our civilisation as nations.”

He remarked how that continually impresses him, especially by those who dedicate their lives to helping others.  

Heartfelt thanks

He then moved on to touch on his own personal struggles of the past year when offered his “heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.”

He spoke of how deeply grateful he is towards all those who have offered “their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”

Peace across all faiths

Highlighting the Commonwealth, he mentioned how “we are held together by a willingness to listen to each other, to learn from one another and to find just how much we have in common.”

He said that through listening, it is possible to learn to respect differences, to defeat prejudice, and to open up new possibilities, referencing a deep sense of pride here in the UK when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together.

He quoted the message of the Angels to the shepherds: “there should be peace on Earth” which he stated echoes through all faiths and philosophies. “It rings true to this day for people of goodwill across the world and so it is with this in mind that I wish you, and all those you love, a most joyful and peaceful Christmas.”

Catherine referenced

The Princess of Wales who Charles indirectly referenced, recently marked her biggest return to royal duties after finishing chemotherapy and only last week hosted a carol service at Westminster Abbey themed around individuals who have shown love, kindness and empathy to their communities.

She is on the road to recovery, and will start to steadily increase her duties in the new year.

Breaking with the norm

The monarch’s Christmas message has often been recorded in Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

There have been exceptions, most recently in 2010 when it was filmed at Hampton Court and before that in 2006 at Southwark Cathedral.

Sandringham for a family gathering

Earlier excited crowds who had been gathering for hours, waved at the royals as they made their way to the small Norfolk church. They were greeted by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams.

The National Anthem could be heard playing followed by several seasonal hymns at what has become a very big event in the royal calendar.

Afterwards, the family see out the remainder of the festive period at their Sandringham estate, which has been customary for them since 1988.