King Charles is getting ready for his fourth Christmas Day speech, which royal experts say will include a sincere plea for your condolences.
For nearly a century, the monarch’s festive message has been a Christmas Day tradition that is as essential today as roast turkey, mince pies and dodgy cracker jokes. Delivered on the big day at 3pm, the speech provides the sovereign with an opportunity to speak personally to the nation and Commonwealth, uniting millions of households for a few minutes of reflection.
“For many people, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the monarch’s message”, says royal commentator Katie Nicholl. The late Queen has been resident in our living rooms for a long time, and now it’s the King. He clearly makes a lot of effort to capture the essence of the past year and reflect on those who have faced enormous difficulties.
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This Christmas, Charles will certainly have plenty of topics to discuss. “As well as highlighting the awful things happening in places like the Middle East and Ukraine, I’m sure he will talk about the importance of religious tolerance and understanding, and building community coherence in the UK,” says royal reporter Richard Palmer.
“Immigration is such a big issue, and though he won’t touch on politics, he may make a plea for peace and understanding in Britain and around the world.” Richard believes Charles will also pay tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September. “The monarch usually references those who’ve been lost to the family, and they were apparently all very fond of her.”
There are, of course, some positives to draw on too. “I think Charles will focus on the commemoration of the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and the debt of gratitude we owe the wartime generation – especially as it won’t be long until there are no survivors left,” adds Richard. “And I’m sure he’ll mention the state visits of Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump, because the pomp and pageantry they brought have been real highlights of the royal year.”
Finding a balance between hope and hardship is undoubtedly challenging, despite the monarch’s broadcast’s typical 10-minute runtime. “It’s not easy because, of course, the monarch would want the speech to be filled with good cheer”, says Katie. Unfortunately, there will never be a year without disaster, loss of life, and difficulties for people. In a way that encourages public support, empathy, and gratitude for those working hard to improve things, such as emergency and healthcare workers, is necessary.
Last year, the King showed his appreciation for those who helped him and the Princess of Wales through their respective cancer ordeals. “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,” he said.
The 2024 recording was made at London’s Fitzrovia Chapel, which was once a hospital chapel, rather than Windsor Castle, as is customary. It was the first time in more than a decade that the speech was recorded outside a royal palace or estate, as Charles wanted a health-related location.
Even his choice of attire – a navy blazer, white shirt and blue patterned tie – was seen as a subtle nod to the NHS. In his speech, the King also drew attention to the plight of those suffering “the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere,” and he singled out humanitarian organisations “working tirelessly to bring vital relief.”
He added that we all need one another and that, “everyone experiences some form of suffering at some point in our lives, whether it be physical or mental. How much of our civilisation as nations is measured by how much we support one another and receive support from one another, whether we are people of faith or not.
The King’s first Christmas speech came from Windsor in 2022, when he focused on the loss of his late mother the Queen, who died that September. He said, “Christmas is a particularly heartfelt time for all of us who have lost loved ones.” We experience their absence at every cherished holiday season’s turning point and keep them in mind.”
Stepping into the shoes of his “darling Mama” would certainly have been a daunting prospect – especially as Elizabeth gave 68 Christmas broadcasts in all. She had become so skilled that she was even known as “one-take Windsor,” and, as Richard Richard puts it, “the queen frequently likened herself to playing the role of an actor or performer during her reign.”
The last of her speeches came in 2021 when she paid tribute to Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years. He died that April, and Elizabeth reflected lovingly on the “one familiar laugh missing this year.” She also told how his “mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.”
Although the royals have long had a reputation for being emotionally distant, the festive address allows them to be more candid. According to Katie, “the most memorable speeches have always been those with that extra personal touch,” just as she did when Elizabeth remembered Philip and Charles spoke about his and Kate’s cancer journey after such a challenging year. That is what people really seem to find to resonate with, ” “
In 2017, the Queen’s speech was highly emotional as she paid tribute to victims of the London and Manchester terror attacks, and the horrors of the Grenfell fire. In 2012, her speech was recorded in 3D for the first time, and another first came in 2006 when it was made available as a podcast. That year was particularly unusual as it was recorded at London’s Southwark Cathedral instead of a royal palace. Another year of note was 1997, when her broadcast was published on the internet for the first time. It came direct from the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, marking the end of extensive renovations following the devastating fire of 1992.
During that speech, the Queen expressed her “shock and sorrow” over the death of Princess Diana. Further back in time, her 1982 message was beamed out of Windsor Castle’s library for the first time, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the debut Christmas broadcast by her grandfather King George V.
That had taken place in 1932, upon the suggestion of the BBC ’s Director-General Sir John Reith. It was transmitted from Sandringham, and though only heard on the radio, still reached an audience of around 20 million across the world – an extraordinary feat which ensured it became an annual fixture in the royal diary.
In 1975, the Queen moved to the gardens of Buckingham Palace for her recording. And in 1967, the advent of colour TV meant her bright yellow dress could be seen in all its glory.
Elizabeth’s first televised speech in 1957, which was equally groundbreaking technologically, was ten years earlier. She said, “I sincerely hope that this new medium will make my Christmas message more direct and personal.”
Her very first address came from Sandringham in December 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. She ostented the country in it, saying, “God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I will faithfully serve him and you throughout my life.”
There is no denying that she accomplished that throughout her remarkable 70-year reign.
Source: Mirror
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