King Charles celebrated the “selfless” efforts of healthcare workers in his annual Christmas address, after a year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were treated for cancer.
During his speech broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, Charles thanked doctors and nurses who provided “strength, care and comfort” to him and his family “through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness”.
The King also used his address to praise how communities responded to the riots following the fatal Southport stabbings of three young girls and how his attending the Commonwealth summit reminded him that diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith “provides strength, not weakness”.
Charles’s speech looked back at the “enormous privilege” of meeting D-Day veterans earlier this year and remembering those who “made the ultimate sacrifice” during World War II, and also remarked on the “devastating effects of conflict” ongoing in the world.
King Charles reflected on a number of wide-ranging issues, including ongoing conflicts around the world, in his Christmas Day message (Photo: PA)In a break from tradition, the King’s message to the nation and the Commonwealth was delivered from the Fitzrovia Chapel in London, which was part of the now-demolished Middlesex Hospital.
The monarch announced in February he had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer, following treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Just a month later, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer. She has since completed the course and made a partial return to public duties.
The King said: “From a personal point of view, I offer 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.
“I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”
King Charles III reads cards and messages sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis (Photo: PA)Alongside images of the King meeting fellow cancer patients earlier this year, he said: “All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another – and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none – is a measure of our civilisation as nations.”
It is understood the King is set to begin 2025 with a full roster of engagements, greenlit by medical staff who are happy by his progression and treatment.
Kate continues her recovery after undergoing chemotherapy treatment and is making a staggered return to her public duties.
The Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on 6 December (Photo: PA)The King also addressed the rioting which shocked the nation following the mass stabbing in Southport, which saw mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted.
Footage was shown of residents sweeping the streets and collecting debris as part of clear-up efforts after the riots.
He said: “I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair.
“To repair not just buildings, but relationships. And most importantly, to repair trust: by listening, and through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all.”
Royal Family greet crowds at Christmas Service – but Prince Andrew stays away
Read MoreThe King’s speech looked to the past as well as the present, the UK and the world, remarking on the sacrifices of Second World War servicemen and women, which he said continue to “inspire across the generations”.
He continued: “We cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods.
“We also think of the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to bring vital relief.”
Charles recorded his message on 11 December in the Grade II* listed building in central London. It is decorated in a Gothic revival style and features more than 500 stars in a gold leaf ceiling.
The King broke with tradition by recording his speech in the Fitzrovia Chapel in London (Photo: PA)The King had asked his Christmas address team to find a location away from the royal estate which had connections to health, a strong community presence, was inclusive of all faiths and was a place of solace and reflection.
The featured living Christmas tree, decorated with sustainable decorations, has been placed in the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham, south London.
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