For the second consecutive year, King Charles III, 77, has broken with long-standing royal tradition by recording his annual Christmas address outside a royal residence or palace.
Instead of delivering the speech from Buckingham Palace or another official home, the British monarch chose a religious setting once again.
Last year, King Charles recorded his Christmas message in Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a former church and hospital.
That decision came after both the king and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer earlier in 2024.
This year, the king recorded his address from Westminster Abbey, one of the most historic and symbolic religious sites in the United Kingdom.
The speech, scheduled to be broadcast at 3 p.m. local time, is expected to focus on themes of peace and unity.
According to the British newspaper Daily Express, the tone of this year’s message reflects a period of improved health and renewed optimism for both King Charles and Princess Kate compared with the previous year.
King Charles has chosen to emphasize religious themes in his Christmas message during a year that brought encouraging news regarding his cancer treatment.
Notably, he also became the first reigning British monarch in more than 500 years to pray publicly with the pope, highlighting his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
In addition to his engagement with Christianity, the king has remained active in outreach to other faith communities.
He visited Hindu worshippers during Diwali celebrations in London and voiced support for the Jewish community following a deadly terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
In his remarks throughout the year, he has stressed the global need for greater respect and understanding among religions.
Westminster Abbey, located in the heart of London, is renowned for hosting royal weddings, coronations, and funerals over many centuries, making it a powerful symbolic choice for the Christmas address.
Since ascending the throne, King Charles has delivered his Christmas speech from a different location each year.
His first address was recorded in the choir of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is buried, while the 2023 message was filmed in the Central Hall of Buckingham Palace.
Traditionally, the monarch’s Christmas speech carries a strong religious tone, reflects on current issues, and occasionally touches on family matters. It also serves as an annual review of major events.
This year, the king is expected to recall key moments such as his official visits to Italy and the Vatican, his hosting of U.S. President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle, and commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
The continued departure from tradition underscores King Charles III’s evolving approach to the monarchy, blending respect for heritage with personal reflection and contemporary themes.
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