LONDON – King Charles III delivered his annual Christmas message on Wednesday, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the selfless care he and the Princess of Wales received this year following their respective cancer diagnoses. The 76-year-old monarch stated that he and his family are continually impressed by the dedication of those who devote their lives to helping others. He offered special thanks to the doctors and nurses who provided support and comfort during their illnesses. The prerecorded speech highlighted the profound impact of their care.
Several hours before the broadcast, the King and Queen Camilla joined Prince William, Kate, and their children for the traditional Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Kate, having recently completed chemotherapy, returned to public duties and notably hugged a cancer patient after the service. However, Prince Andrew was notably absent.
Andrew’s absence has fueled speculation, particularly given recent news that a Chinese businessman, allegedly cultivating links with Andrew on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, was barred from the U.K. This incident, along with Andrew’s past financial troubles and connections to controversial figures like Jeffrey Epstein, continues to generate negative headlines and put pressure on the King to further distance himself from his brother. Author Ed Owens, in his book “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?”, highlighted that Andrew’s actions overshadow the King’s efforts to rebrand the monarchy and focus on Prince William and Kate.
This year’s Christmas message marked the King’s third since ascending the throne and the first since his own cancer diagnosis in February. A few weeks later, the Princess of Wales also revealed her own cancer diagnosis. In her own message for her annual Christmas carol service, broadcast the previous evening, Kate echoed the themes of support and empathy.
The King’s message, viewed by millions across the U.K. and the Commonwealth, was recorded at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London, a deliberate choice reflecting a desire for a location with health connections and a strong community presence, rather than a royal residence. This marked a departure from tradition, with the last time the message was recorded outside a royal estate being in 2006.
Charles also acknowledged the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, paying tribute to the veterans while also recognizing the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Central Europe, and Africa. He concluded by expressing pride in the community response to the riots that followed a tragic stabbing incident earlier in the year.