On December 25th, King Charles III (75) will deliver his annual Christmas speech, a tradition dating back to 1932, in a bid to celebrate the holiday season. This year's speech will mark his second as monarch, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) in September. The palace provided a sneak peek of the recording on Instagram, showcasing the King in a dark blue suit, standing before a unique Christmas tree - the first time a potted tree has been used as a backdrop for the annual broadcast, signifying Charles's environmental concerns[2].
Crowds often gather at Buckingham Palace's Mall to celebrate the coronation, and King Charles's speech will be broadcast on YouTube's Royal Channel. The Center Room, where the recording took place, has a striking balcony offering views of the Victoria Memorial and the Mall[1].
In alignment with his focus on sustainability, the Christmas tree decorations comprised materials such as paper, wood, glass, pine cones, and dried oranges. The Daily Mail speculates that these eco-friendly choices may form a theme in Charles's speech[2].
The festive day will also see several members of the Royal Family unite at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk for their traditional holiday celebrations. King Charles will spend Christmas with his wife, Queen Camilla (76), along with their extended family, including Prince William (41), Princess Kate (41), Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as Princess Anne (73), Prince Edward (59), Duchess Sophie (58), and their children[4]. Camilla's children and grandchildren are also expected to join the festivities for the first time.
Following the popular tradition, the family will attend a Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate and enjoy a festive lunch together.
Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]
