king's speech charles christmas

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

King Charles’s Christmas message – text in full

Monarch reflects on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in first Christmas Day broadcast

I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.

I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.

Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

In the much-loved carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem we sing of how “in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light”.

My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people and it is one which I share with my whole heart.

It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them.

This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.

We see it in the selfless dedication of our armed forces and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently as we mourned the passing of our late Queen.

We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.

And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.

I particularly 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, together with the many charitable organisations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.

Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras, have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as our self.

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light on practical examples of this community spirit.

Some years ago, I was able to fulfil a life-long wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.

There, I went down into the Chapel of the Manger and stood in silent reverence by the silver star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth.

It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, ‘the light that has come into the world’ was born.

While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief.

So, whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future.

Let us therefore celebrate it together, and cherish it always.

With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light.

• King Charles III

Most viewed

Read the full transcript of King Charles III's Christmas message

King Charles III delivered his first Christmas message as monarch on Sunday.

The pre-recorded speech, which aired at 15:00 GMT (10:00 EST) on Christmas Day, saw the new king honour the legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Sept. 8.

• King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II, public workers in speech

Charles delivered the message from the historic St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England, where both of his parents and many other royals are buried. It was the first televised royal Christmas address not to be delivered by Queen Elizabeth, who initially did so 1957.

Here is a full transcript of King Charles' speech:

"I'm standing here in this exquisite chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother the late Queen is laid to rest with my dear father. I'm reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself, and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.

• Royal Dispatch newsletter: Sign up for exclusive insights on the monarchy

Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season, and remember them in each cherished tradition.

In the much-loved carol 'O little town of Bethlehem,' we sing of how, 'in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.' My mother's belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also have faith in people, and it is one which I share with my whole heart. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch with goodness and compassion the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them.

This is the essence of our community, and the very foundation of our society. We see it in the selfless dedication of our armed forces and emergency services, who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who perform so magnificently as we mourn the passing of our late Queen. We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers, and indeed all those working in public service whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities. And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills to keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth, who so readily respond to the plight of others.

I particularly 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. Together with the many charitable organizations, which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances, our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as ourself. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light of practical examples of this community spirit.

Some years ago, I was able to fulfill a lifelong wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. There I went down into the chapel of the manger, and stood in silent reverence by the silver star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ's birth. It meant more to me than I can possibly express, to stand on that spot where as the Bible tells us, the light that has come into the world was born.

While Christmas is of course a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief. So whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future. Let us therefore celebrate it together and cherish it always. With all my heart I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness, and everlasting light."

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Blockade briefly stops Pride Parade in downtown Winnipeg

A group of protesters briefly blocked the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday.

'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors

People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.

Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required

Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.

Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something

Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.

Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting

A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.

Motorcycle doing wheelies, weaving in, out of traffic caught on Highway 417

A motorcycle driver is facing charges after being caught on Highway 417 doing wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says.

C.T. Pan uses four caddies, including fan, in fourth round of RBC Canadian Open

Al Riddell was going to go have a quiet Sunday afternoon coffee with his family when his dad asked if he had heard that Mike (Fluff) Cowan, C.T. Pan's caddie, had slipped during the fourth round of the RBC Canadian Open and that a fan had started carrying his bag for him.

B.C. law banning disruptive protests near schools now in effect

Legislation restricting disruptive protests targeting B.C. schools came into effect Friday, with the province saying there have been 20 such incidents since last September.

Driver missing after vehicle plunges into the Riviere-des-Prairies between Montreal and Laval

Emergency response crews are on the scene Sunday morning after a vehicle plunged into the Riviere des Prairies in Montreal.

3 injured in serious crash along Stoney Trail

One person suffered life threatening injuries following a crash along Stoney Trail Saturday afternoon.

Triple shooting in Bowmanville, Ont. 3 in hospital

A triple shooting in Bowmanville, Ont. overnight sent three people to hospital.

North Korea says it will stop sending trash balloons as South Korea vows strong retaliation

South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.

Mexico votes in historic elections marred by cartel violence and deep division

Mexicans vote Sunday in historic elections weighing gender, democracy and populism, as they chart the country’s path forward shadowed by cartel violence.

Ex-N.J. officer sentenced to 27 years in shooting death of driver, wounding of passenger in 2019 chase

A former New Jersey police officer has been sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison in the shooting death of one man and the wounding of another during a high-speed car chase 5 1/2 years ago in the city of Newark.

Trump says he's 'OK' with serving potential jail time or house arrest after historic conviction

Former U.S. president Donald Trump said he is 'OK' with serving potential jail time or being under house arrest following his historic conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Nearly 1,000 people honor a young Ukrainian journalist and volunteer combat medic killed in action

Nearly 1,000 people attended a ceremony Sunday honoring the memory of Ukrainian journalist Iryna Tsybukh, who was killed in action while serving as a volunteer combat medic a few days before her 26th birthday.

Israel seeks a 'governing alternative' to Hamas in Gaza. It's been tried and failed before

Israel is looking into an alternative local governing body for Gaza, the defense minister said Sunday, proposing a future beyond Hamas but giving no idea who those challengers might be.

Canadian, Chinese defence ministers meet in Singapore as tensions rise over Taiwan

The Canadian and Chinese defence ministers met in Singapore this week, marking the first in-person meeting between those officials in years.

Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'

Canada's ambassador to Russia says while Ottawa has 'grave concerns' about the Kremlin's 'longer-term trends,' the war in Ukraine is 'a primary barrier to a change in the relationship.'

Why replacing alcohol with weed is a growing trend in the U.S.

The use of weed to replace alcohol is a growing trend in the United States. In fact, a recent study found — for the first time ever — the daily use of cannabis of any kind among Americans surpassed the daily use of alcohol.

Scientists are on a quest for drought-resistant wheat, agriculture's 'Holy Grail'

Plant biologist Marcus Samuel has been working for more than a decade to improve the climate resilience of crops.

China lands spacecraft on the moon amid growing space rivalry with U.S.

A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.

'It was so nice': Vancouver students take home big prizes at national science fair

Vancouver was well represented at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa this week.

Entertainment

'Very moving': Screenwriters on the Tim Hortons musical

A snowstorm, a Tim Hortons and a group of Canadian artists loosely sums up ‘The Last Timbit,’ a musical hitting the stage in Toronto this month. However, the writers involved explain that it is much more than that. To them, it is a celebration of community, Canadians and togetherness.

Eminem releases 'Houdini' single with a star-filled music video

Eminem appears to be killing off his alter ego in his latest project, an album titled, 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace).'

Oil producers led by Saudis extended supply cuts amid slack prices

Saudi Arabia and allied oil producing countries on Sunday extended output cuts through next year, a move aimed at supporting slack prices that haven't risen even amid turmoil in the Middle East and the start of the summer travel season.

Cannabis-infused poutine sauce, jerky, nuts among new edible options in Quebec

The few customers looking for an edible option at a Quebec cannabis store (SQDC) will have noticed some new options on the shelves though the weed-infused poutines sauce, jerky and sausages are not increasing the bottom dollar.

Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went

During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.

Star Wars elopements and mashed potato bars: Manitoba brides making weddings their own

From Star Wars costumes to mashed potato bars to mid-week soirees, Manitoba couples are finding ways to personalize their weddings in new and creative ways.

Beef on and off the ice: Who has the best steak between Alberta and Texas?

As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Western Conference Finals, there's some beef brewing off the ice as well.

Oilers expect Stars to push back in Game 6 of Western Conference final

With the chance to close to set a date with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch believes his team will have to step up their efforts even more. What was good enough Friday in Dallas won’t be good enough in Game 6.

Sale of Maradona's trophy postponed amid ownership controversy, judicial probe

The auction of a trophy awarded to the late Diego Maradona that was planned this week has been postponed, amid a judicial investigation looking into the possible resale of stolen goods.

Montreal driver says it's quicker to drive to the U.S. than the West Island

Richard D'Agostino says he was aghast to find out that it was going to take him over an hour to get to Dollard-des-Ormeaux from downtown Montreal.

U.S. Labor Department sues Hyundai over U.S. child labour, court filing shows

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday sued South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Co., an auto parts plant and a labour recruiter over illegal use of child labour in Alabama.

Canadians' interest in buying EVs fades as barriers, concerns remain: J.D. Power

A new study finds fewer Canadians say they're interested in buying an electric vehicle as concerns remain about limited driving ranges, high prices and a lack of charging stations.

Local Spotlight

107-year-old luxury rail car ready for visitors after major restoration

Car 14 is a luxury passenger car that once made regular runs from London to Port Stanley starting in 1917.

U of W Two-Spirit Archives aim to preserve history of a community 'erased' from heritage

A hefty donation by a renowned local activist to the University of Winnipeg has created what is believed to be the most comprehensive two-spirit archives in all of Canada.

'It really has brought a lot of joy': Family of baby foxes moves into Manitoba woman's yard

Leanne Van Bergen discovered a skulk of 10 baby foxes, and two mothers, had made themselves at home on her property in Beausejour.

81-year-old Waterloo, Ont. woman with paralysis, amputated leg lives out dream of riding horse again

An 81-year-old Waterloo, Ont. woman thought she’d never ride a horse again after a brain bleed led to severe physical complications.

Video shows driver in Toronto frantically getting out of car being pushed by truck

A CP24 camera caught the moment a driver frantically got out of her car as it was being dragged by a truck on Avenue Road Wednesday afternoon.

Prince Edward Island celebrates first-ever International Day of Potato

Prince Edward Island is celebrating its first-ever International Day of Potato on Thursday.

'Bigger and better and stronger than ever': Covered Bridge Chips president sets sights for late 2025 rebuild after fire

The president of Covered Bridge Chips in New Brunswick is hoping to have his factory rebuilt for late 2025 following a devastating fire last year.

Winnipeg high school helps lead ducks that nested in courtyard to water

Students and staff at Winnipeg’s Westwood Collegiate had a unique problem to solve this month; how do you lead ducks to water from the school’s courtyard when 12 of them can’t fly yet?

Questions and concerns remain after space junk lands in Saskatchewan

Debby Lorinczy remembers her father as an amazing person and as a man who also made an amazing discovery.

Rainfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with up to 60 millimetres expected by Monday morning.

Use caution near these two North Shore Rivers, regional district warns

A spring storm is expected to lead to “unusually high flows” for the Seymour and Capilano rivers on Sunday, according to Metro Vancouver.

25-year-old driver dead after single-vehicle rollover crash in Clarington, Ont.

A 25-year-old driver is dead after his vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier and rolled over on a Clarington, Ont. highway overnight, the OPP say.

Hamilton police looking for triple shooting suspect

Hamilton police are investigating an overnight shooting that left three people injured as a search for the suspect gets underway.

'Rotten rock': Climate change altering the face of Canadian mountaineering

The Abbot Pass hut stood for decades in a rugged saddle between two iconic peaks, overlooking the limpid turquoise of Banff National Park's Lake Louise — a destination for alpinists from around the world until the ground melted beneath it and forced its closure.

Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life

The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.

Two seriously injured following two-vehicle crash on Bank Street

The Ottawa Police Service says two people were injured following a serious crash that happened south of Ottawa Sunday afternoon.

Two-vehicle collision injures 3, closes part of River Road

Ottawa Paramedic Service says three people sustained minor injuries following two-vehicle collision on River Road Sunday morning.

Child's body recovered from lake after boating tragedy in Quebec's Laurentians

The body of a child under the age of five was recovered Sunday, the day after a boating tragedy in the Baskatong reservoir in Quebec's Laurentians.

Inflation is causing Quebecers to scale back vacation plans

In a sign that the situation hasn't improved since last year, 68 per cent of Quebecers plan to go on vacation this summer. That's one percentage point less than last year, according to CAA-Quebec's 15th survey of vacation intentions.

1 killed in early morning motorcycle crash on Stadium Road

A man is dead after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a concrete barrier on Stadium Road early Sunday morning.

5 things to know about the NHL playoffs ahead of Game 6 at Rogers Place

The Florida Panthers will kick up their feet tonight and watch the Edmonton Oilers try to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup final against the visiting Dallas Stars.

WATCH LIVE | The IWK Telethon for Children marks 40 years

The IWK Telethon for Children marks 40 years this June.

'We share your pain, we share your pride': Public ceremony honouring fallen N.B. peace officers held in Fredericton

A ceremony honouring New Brunswick peace officers who have died in the line of duty returned as a public memorial on Sunday morning.

Hometown racer relishes SailGP moment in Halifax

Team Canada's Billy Gooderham says he's thrilled to be able to compete in the first-ever Sail Grand Prix event held on Canadian Waters.

Pride parade takes over Downtown Winnipeg

Love and acceptance, along with a reminder of the challenges taking place for the LGBTQ2S+ community was in the air Sunday morning.

Winnipeg looking at fining residents for putting contaminated items in trash

The City of Winnipeg is asking the public if homeowners should have to pay for throwing contaminated items in their trash and recycling carts.

Sask. RCMP searching for suspect after police vehicle rammed, officer injured

An officer was hospitalized after a speeding driver rammed a police vehicle multiple times, according to the Saskatchewan RCMP.

Regina bargain hunters discover old-fashioned antiques while sharing hobby online

What started as a weekly tradition of weekend bargain hunting for old-fashioned antiques has now flourished into a massive treasure trove for Robert Baron and Karen Wilhelm.

Death investigation underway in Regina

An investigation is underway in Regina after an injured man died in hospital on Saturday.

Most-read stories of the week: layoffs, a push for a rare cancer drug, and a python in a park

Layoffs announced at Home Hardware, a family searching for help to cover the cost of a cancer drug, and a ball python found in a Waterloo park.

Wanted man arrested in Kitchener

Waterloo regional police have arrested a man wanted in connection to a Kitchener shooting.

Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario

A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months

Sask. mining skills competition showcases elite rescue teams

Dozens of teams and hundreds of rescuers gathered at Prairieland Park for the mining skills competition, an event that brings together some of the best-trained rescuers who specialize in mine rescues.

Northern Ontario

6 active wildfires in northeastern Ont.

As of Saturday evening, there were still six active wildfires in northeastern Ontario with two new fires confirmed late Friday and one confirmed on June 1 in the region.

Northwestern Ont. police make arrest after serious assault

Police have made an arrest in the Kingfisher Lake First Nation following a serious assault in the northwestern Ontario community last week.

80th anniversary of D-Day commemorated at base of Holy Roller tank

Soldiers past and present, even some on horseback, marched through London's Victoria Park to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and ultimately, the end of World War II.

Nuclear plant doubling production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes

Bruce Power introduced an isotope production line in 2022, producing medical isotopes used in treatments for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.

Crossbow, rifle, ammo allegedly stolen from Sarnia home as police seek to identify suspect

Police in Sarnia are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly broke into a home last week.

OPP officer assaulted during call to suspicious vehicle in Severn Township

Orillia OPP have arrested and charged two individuals following a report of a suspicious vehicle in Severn Township.

Thousands of runners lace up for 12th annual Honda Waterfront Half-Marathon in Barrie

Runners of all ages participated in the 12th edition of the Honda Waterfront Half-Marathon in Barrie Sunday morning.

Innisfil's biggest garage sale returns to raise money for food bank

Innisfil's biggest garage sale returned this weekend for the fourth year to raise money for charity.

More than 300 vendors make 45th annual Art in the Park its 'biggest' yet, organizers say

Willistead Park in Walkerville was busy all day Saturday for the return of the annual Art in the Park festival — and the event, said to be its biggest this year due to the number of vendors in attendance, continues Sunday.

Downtown Windsor BIA issues call for vendors at Canada Day Arts Fair

The event is scheduled for July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on University Avenue West between Pelissier Street and Ouelette Avenue

'I'm very honoured:' Change of command at HMCS Hunter in Windsor

Commander Chris Elliott has served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 15 years and was promoted from Lieutenant Commander during a ceremonial passing of the torch.

Vancouver Island

B.c. organization looking for volunteers to count bats this summer.

A B.C. conservation organization is looking for volunteers to spend a few evenings this summer counting bats to help biologists monitor populations across the province.

Start of June means B.C.'s minimum wage is now $17.40 per hour

The first day of June means the minimum wage for most workers in B.C. is now $17.40 per hour, as the province's annual inflation-based hike takes effect.

Fire that destroyed Kelowna auto shop investigated as arson: RCMP

Mounties in Kelowna have deemed a fire that ripped through an automotive repair business in Kelowna over the weekend suspicious in nature.

Police try to identify man who allegedly chased kids from Kamloops park

Mounties in Kamloops are appealing for information after two recent reports of a man chasing children in a park.

Kelowna firefighters knock down large blazes at house, auto shop

Firefighters in Kelowna were busy on Sunday morning, knocking down two “major” structure fires.

Brooks wins Rocky Mountain Challenge, defeating Surrey 4-1

The Brooks Bandits added a new title to their list Saturday night when they defeated the Surrey Eagles 4-1 to claim the Rocky Mountain Challenge.

Okotoks lives by the long ball, crushing three homers in 10-2 defeat of Bombers in Brooks

The Okotoks Dawgs won their first road victory of the season Friday, defeating the Brooks Bombers 10-2.

Brooks strikes first in Rocky Mountain Challenge, topping Surrey 5-2

The Brooks Bandits spread the scoring around Friday night, en route to a 5-2 victory over the Surrey Eagles in the opening game of the Rocky Mountain Challenge.

Sault Ste. Marie

Alleged impaired driver going wrong way with no lights on Hwy. 17, police say

A Sault man is facing multiple charges – including impaired driving – after an SUV was spotted speeding the wrong way on Highway 17 without its lights on.

Solutions coming for piled-up bodies outside Newfoundland hospital

Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador say they are only weeks away from a solution to move unclaimed human remains out of roadside freezers and into a nearby hospital.

Newfoundland television station hit by ransomware attack, data breach

The company behind a popular independent television station in Newfoundland and Labrador says it was hit by a cyberattack.

DNA provides a break in this decades-old cold case

A skull was found along a backroad near St. John's more than 20 years ago. Now, police have finally identified the victim of the homicide.

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

Editor's Picks

If you want to upgrade your summer wardrobe, try adding a few of these stylish pieces from amazon to your closet, if you're looking for a new face sunscreen, here are 16 that reviewers are loving right now, 17 useful amazon products that deserve to be in your home, our guide to the best countertop ice makers in canada in 2024 (and where to get them), our guide to the best portable air conditioners in canada in 2024 (and where to get them), the 5 best ice cream makers in canada in 2024, tested and reviewed, 19 next-level father's day gifts you can get on amazon canada, 18 of the best father's day gifts under $50, 16 foolproof father's day gifts your dad is almost guaranteed to love, 16 drugstore beauty products that reviewers consider holy grails, if you're on the hunt for a moisturizer with spf, you'll probably want to add at least one of these to your cart, 15 of the best niacinamide serums you can get online right now, health & fitness, 15 of the best neck pillows for travel you can get in canada right now, 8 of the best electric scooters you can find online right now, if your feet always hurt, you probably need a few of these things in your life, stay connected.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Watch: Charles delivers King’s Speech from Buckingham Palace

Article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Thanks for signing up to the lessons in lifestyle email.

Watch as King Charles III delivers the annual King’s Speech on Monday, 25 December.

His Majesty delivered the second Christmas message of his reign from a Buckingham Palace room decorated with a living Christmas tree.

The King, like Queen Elizabeth II , writes his Christmas broadcasts.

He followed his mother’s well-established template last year, with a personal reflection on the year focusing on current issues with a Christian framework.

The living tree seen in today’s broadcast will be replanted in a nod to the King’s environmental interests.

It comes after he delivered a speech at the recent Cop28 UN Climate Change summit.

Charles’s message was delivered in the palace room that leads on to the royal residence’s iconic balcony, where members of the royal family have made historic appearances such as after Charles’s coronation or Trooping the Colour celebrations.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

King Charles Says the Christmas Story Reminds Us of the Importance of Protecting the Earth

The King delivered his second Christmas Broadcast from the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, with the Palace balcony in the background.

King Charles has long advocated for the importance of protecting our planet. And today, he used his second Christmas speech as monarch to point out that the message of living in harmony with nature and protecting the Earth can also be found in the Christmas story.

“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share,” the King said during his speech. “I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.”

Produced by ITV, the King's broadcast also featured footage of members of the royal family carrying out official engagements and making public appearances throughout the year. Included in the footage were Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shown volunteering at a Scout hut with their parents in May and attending Kate’s Westminster Abbey carol service in December .

The King’s Coronation was mentioned in the broadcast, although only briefly, with the King saying, “My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”

Instead of focusing on his Coronation , Charles chose to emphasize the themes of faith and service. “Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely,” he said. “However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.”

The final image of the broadcast was the King giving a final wave to the public from the Palace balcony after the Coronation.

Read the King’s 2023 Christmas Broadcast in full:

Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal. A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness. For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts. For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents.

It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day. This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as they waited for Jesus to be born.

Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another—going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.

My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people—volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction—were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of Coronation itself: above all, a call to us all 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, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.

Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely. However, service to others is but one way of honoring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions. To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.

During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share. I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognize this—as does the Christmas Story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night...

And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘do to others as you would have them do to you.’ Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors, and to seek their good as we would our own.

So on this Christmas Day my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of ‘peace on Earth and goodwill to all’, today and always.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

10 Things to Know About the Duchess of York

7 Things to Know About Princess Eugenie

Who's the Queen's Granddaughter, Princess Beatrice

Meet Princess Anne's Granddaughter Lena Tindall

Who Is Mia Tindall?

Meet Princess Anne's Daughter Zara Tindall

Who Is the Queen's Only Daughter, Princess Anne?

Meet Pippa Middleton's Husband, James Matthews

Get to Know All of King Charles's Grandchildren

Meet King Charles's Siblings

A Guide to King Charles III's Nieces and Nephews

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

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

The King encouraged service as he acknowledged that it is a "time of real hardship for many" during the holiday broadcast

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool /Getty

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

Continuing the tradition of the British monarch giving a speech that is broadcast on Christmas Day, King Charles' pre-recorded address was shown at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. This year, the King delivered the message from Buckingham Palace.

King Charles, 75, centered his speech on service to others as he acknowledged that it is a difficult time for many families.

"Over this past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another — going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities," he said. "My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people — volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction — were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasized the meaning of coronation itself: above all, a call to us all 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, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves."

The monarch continued, "Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves."

King Charles also mentioned it is a time of "increasingly tragic conflict around the world."

"I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other," he said. "The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of 5 religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors, and to seek their good as we would our own."

King Charles concluded, "So on this Christmas Day my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves. I wish you a Christmas of peace on Earth and good will to all, today and always."

For the first time this year , King Charles delivered his remarks beside a living tree, marking his ongoing environmental efforts. According to Buckingham Palace, the Christmas tree is decorated with "natural and sustainable decorations," with some highlights including hand-turned wood, pinecones, brown glass, dried oranges and paper. It will be replanted.

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 radio, Queen Elizabeth  appeared in the first televised broadcast in 1957. "She was a one-take wonder — she was extraordinary," said a former palace staffer.

For many Britains (including the royal family!), it is a staple of their holiday to gather around the TV to watch the speech.

However, the annual broadcast did not take place in 1936 (when King Edward VIII abdicated), 1938 (when King George VI did not give an address) and 1969 (when Queen Elizabeth opted for a written message instead after feeling that between Charles' investiture as the Prince of Wales and the documentary Royal Family , there had been enough television appearances for one year).

King Charles gave his first Christmas address last year just months after the death of his mother, and much of his speech centered around Queen Elizabeth's memory.

"I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father," the King said in the 2022 speech. "I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself, and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family."

He continued, "Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

King Charles continued his speech, "In the much-loved carol 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' we sing of how 'in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.' My mother's belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people — and it is one which I share with my whole heart. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them. This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society."

He then praised the "selfless dedication" of those in the armed forces, emergency personnel, healthcare workers and public services professionals such as teachers.

"I particularly 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, together with the many charitable organizations which do such 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 the service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk, near the royal residence of Sandringham .

The British royals traditionally gather at Sandringham each Christmas. On December 24, they have afternoon tea before exchanging inexpensive gag gifts . After their church outing on Christmas, they head back to Sandringham House for a traditional feast of turkey before watching the monarch's Christmas speech broadcast on TV.

Related Articles

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

King Charles III’s Christmas message reflects a coronation theme and calls for planet’s protection

Britain’s King Charles III poses for a photo, during the recording of his Christmas message at Buckingham Palace, in London, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2023. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)

• Copy Link copied

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III reflected his coronation theme of public service Monday in a Christmas message that he connected to the health of the planet and wars that are raging.

In a prerecorded video shot with him standing beside a Christmas tree in Buckingham Palace, the king spoke of the message of Jesus’ life in serving those less fortunate as he honored the “selfless army” that forms the “backbone of our society” helping others.

“My heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another, going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do,” he said.

It was the king’s second Christmas speech since he ascended the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II , died in September 2022, but the first since his coronation in May when he was officially crowned in a medieval ceremony rich in pageantry and pomp.

Charles, who has long campaigned for environmental causes and recently told foreign leaders at the COP28 Climate Meeting that achieving climate goals remain “dreadfully far off track,” said he was encouraged to see awareness growing of the need to protect the earth.

“To care for this creation is the responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none,” he said. “We care for the earth for the sake of our children’s children.”

In his own gesture towards sustainability, the evergreen next to him was bedecked in natural decorations made from wood, dried oranges, pinecones and paper. The tree, the first live one at the palace, was to be replanted after the holidays.

As Charles spoke, video showed highlights from his past year, including helping plant a tree during a trip to Kenya — his first state visit as monarch with Queen Camilla to a Commonwealth country.

It also featured footage from the coronation in which he declared, “I come not to be served but to serve.” Another clip showed his eldest son, Prince William, heir to the throne, along with his wife, Kate, the princess of Wales, and their three children carrying out that mission by helping to rebuild a Scout hut during a day of service that followed the coronation.

His estranged son, Prince Harry, who left the ranks of the senior royals when he moved to the U.S. in 2020 with this wife, Meghan, wasn’t shown in the video. Harry, who showed up alone at the coronation and was seated in the third row, inflamed tensions with his best-selling memoir, “Spare,” published early in the year that accused his brother of beating him up.

At a time of “increasingly tragic conflict around the world,” a reference to wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, Charles invoked the words of Christ to “do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

“They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors and to seek their good as we would our own,” he said. “My heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another, all who are caring for our common home and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know.”

How to watch King Charles' Christmas speech online right now — start time and channels

It's time to open King Charles III's first Christmas Day speech

Today, King Charles III's first Christmas Day speech will air online and on TV networks, not only to the United Kingdom, but echoing out throughout the world. An annual tradition, the speech will touch upon the events of this past year, and the topics of community and faith, as is tradition.

King Charles III's Christmas Day speech will air at 3 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, and 2 a.m. AEDT on the 26th in Australia. Watch from anywhere with ExpressVPN

King Charles will likely use this speech as an opportunity to honour his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth III. He first addressed the nation as king on September 9th. 

This will mark the first time a male monarch delivered this annual televised Christmas Day address.

The address, which has already been recorded and edited down for time, was recorded on December 13th, at Sandringham, the private royal residence in Norfolk.

The speech, which will last 10 minutes, will also be available for replay via multiple means, which we'll get to below.

How to watch King Charles' Christmas Day speech from anywhere on Earth

Just because BBC, Sky and ITV aren't available everywhere doesn't mean you can't watch the King's Christmas speech online if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be easy these days. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is the right one for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the  best VPN  overall is  ExpressVPN , which offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

Speed, security and simplicity make  ExpressVPN   our favorite VPN right now. We were impressed by its ability to access more than 3,000 services across 94 countries and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not 100% happy with it.

How to watch the King's Christmas Day speech in the UK

King Charles III's Christmas Day speech airs at 3 p.m. GMT on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV One and Sky One. Afterwards, it will be available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

How to watch King Charles' Christmas Day speech in the US

There are likely more than a few ways to watch King Charles' Christmas speech online in the U.S.. Expect it to stream from the Royal Family's official YouTube and Twitter pages, either live or after the fact.

C-Span will have the live stream as well, but if you cut the cord, that's only available on DirecTV Stream . ABC News Live should have the broadcast, and you can find it on fuboTV and Hulu with Live TV .

Of course, those visiting the U.S. who want to watch it live with our friends in the U.K. will need a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to log in back home to use BBC iPlayer .

Can you watch watch King Charles' Christmas Day speech in Canada?

It's unclear which channels will have the broadcast in Canada and Australia. But, as noted above, the Royal Family's official YouTube and Twitter pages are expected to offer the speech in one form or another. 

Those in Canada and Australia can also use a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to log in back home on the services they already pay for.

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

New on HBO and Max in June 2024 — all the new shows and movies to watch

How to watch 'I Kissed A Girl: The Reunion' online from anywhere, Ep. 10

I took over 200 photos with the Google Pixel 8a vs Nothing Phone 2a — here’s the winner

Most Popular

• 2 Cooling mattress vs cooling mattress topper: Which should you buy?
• 3 Samsung's phasing out its Tizen smartwatches — and boosting trade-ins to $100 for Galaxy Watch 3 and older
• 4 Netflix top 10 shows — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
• 5 I have never bought an official phone case, and I won’t until Apple and Samsung make some changes