King Charles Continues Royal Tradition with His Second Christmas Speech — Here’s What He Said

King Charles is at the center of a royal holiday tradition for the second time.

Continuing the tradition of speeches by the British monarch being broadcast on Christmas Day, the pre-recorded speech by King Charles was shown on Monday at 3pm local time. This year the King delivered the message from Buckingham Palace.

King Charles, 75, focused his speech on serving others as he acknowledged that this is a difficult time for many families.

“During this past year, my heart has been warmed by the countless examples of imaginative ways people care for one another — going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it’s the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and between communities “, He said. “My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of this selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such difference—were able to join us at Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. They are the vital backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to both of us and emphasized the meaning of the coronation itself: above all, the call to all of us to serve one another; to love and care for all. Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story — the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world by showing us his own an example of how to love your neighbor as yourself.”

See the best photos of the royal family’s 2023 Christmas trip

The monarch continued: “Throughout the year, my family has witnessed people of all ages making a difference in their communities. This is even more important at a time of real hardship for many when we need to build on existing ways of supporting others less fortunate than ourselves.”

King Charles also mentioned that it was a time of “increasingly tragic conflicts around the world”.

“I pray that we can also do everything in our power to protect each other,” he said. “It seems that the words of Jesus are more relevant than ever: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Such values ​​are universal, bringing together our Abrahamic family of 5 religions and other belief systems throughout the Commonwealth and the wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors and to seek their welfare as we would our own. ”

King Charles concluded: “So this Christmas my heart and my thanks go out to all who serve one another; to all who care for our common home; and to all who see and seek the good of others, not just the friends we have yet I don’t know . This is how we get the best out of ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of peace on Earth and goodwill to everyone, today and always.”

For the first time this year, King Charles delivered his remarks next to a living tree, marking his ongoing efforts to protect the environment. According to Buckingham Palace, the Christmas tree is decorated with “natural and sustainable decorations”, with some details including hand-turned wood, pine cones, brown glass, dried oranges and paper. It will be replanted.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at Christmas 2023.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

The tradition of the monarch’s Christmas message was started by King Charles’ great-grandfather, King George V, in 1932. While the speech was first broadcast over the radio, Queen Elizabeth appeared in the first televised broadcast in 1957. “She was a one-hit wonder — she was extraordinary,” he said. a former palace employee.

For many Brits (including the royal family!) the main part of the holiday is to gather around the TV and watch a speech.

However, the annual broadcast did not take place in 1936 (when King Edward VIII abdicated), 1938 (when King George VI did not address) and 1969 (when Queen Elizabeth opted for a written message instead after she felt that between Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales and a documentary film The royal familythere were a lot of television appearances in one year).

King Charles and Queen Camilla at Christmas 2023.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles gave his first Christmas speech last year just months after his mother’s death, and much of his speech focused on remembering Queen Elizabeth.

“I stand here in this exquisite St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, was laid to rest with my dear father,” the king said in a speech in 2022. “I remember the deeply moving letters, cards and messages so many of you sent to my wife and me, and I can’t thank you enough for the love and compassion you showed our entire family.”

He continued: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence in every familiar part of the season and remember them in every cherished tradition.”

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Kate Middleton, Prince William and children on Christmas 2023.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles continued his speech, “In the favorite song, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,’ we sing of how ‘in your dark streets shines eternal light.’ My mother’s faith in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people – and this is what I share with all my heart. It is a faith in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with kindness and compassion, the lives of others and to illuminate the world around them. That is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.”

He then praised the “selfless dedication” of members of the armed forces, emergency personnel, health workers and public service professionals such as teachers.

“I especially want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all – their time – to support those around them in greatest need, along with the many charities who do this extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances,” he said.

On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal family in their annual tradition of going to church on Christmas Day. They attended a service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk, near the royal residence of Sandringham.

British royals traditionally gather at Sandringham every Christmas. On December 24, they have afternoon tea before exchanging inexpensive gifts. After a Christmas trip to church, they return to Sandringham House for a traditional turkey feast before watching the monarch’s Christmas speech on TV.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education