LONDON — King Charles III dedicated his annual Christmas message to acknowledging the selflessness of those who cared for him and the Princess of Wales following their cancer diagnoses. The 76-year-old monarch expressed his and his family’s continuous admiration for individuals dedicated to helping others. In a prerecorded speech, he offered “special, 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.”
Several hours before the broadcast, the monarch greeted a large crowd gathered to watch the royal family attend Christmas Day services at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. He walked with Queen Camilla, followed by Prince William, Kate, and their children. The Princess of Wales, having recently completed chemotherapy and slowly resuming public duties, notably hugged a cancer patient after the service.
Prince Andrew’s absence was conspicuous. His continued retreat from public life follows reports of a Chinese businessman being barred from the U.K. due to suspected links with Andrew on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. Andrew’s past financial troubles and associations with controversial figures, including Jeffrey Epstein, have consistently drawn negative media attention. His absence from Sandringham suggests a further distancing from the public eye, a move reportedly pressured by the King to avoid further embarrassment to the monarchy. While Andrew maintains he never discussed sensitive information with the suspected spy and ceased contact upon concerns being raised, author Ed Owens, of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?”, highlights the scandal’s negative impact on the King’s efforts to rebrand the monarchy. Owens stated that Andrew’s actions overshadow the positive headlines the King has been striving for, especially given the recent cancer diagnoses within the family.
This was the King’s third Christmas message since ascending the throne following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, and his first since his own cancer diagnosis in February. The message, watched by millions across the U.K. and the Commonwealth, is a significant annual event for many. A few weeks after Charles’s diagnosis, the Princess of Wales also announced her own cancer diagnosis, which significantly impacted her public appearances throughout the year. In her own recorded message for her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, broadcast the previous evening, Kate similarly reflected on the importance of support and empathy.
Charles recorded his message at the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a location chosen for its historical health connections, strong community presence, and suitability as a place of reflection. This marked a departure from tradition; the last time the Christmas message was recorded outside a royal residence was in 2006, when Queen Elizabeth II did so.
The King also paid tribute to World War II veterans, acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the enduring impact of conflict globally. He expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. Domestically, he expressed pride in communities’ resilience following summer riots sparked by a stabbing incident that resulted in the deaths of three young girls.