LONDON (AP) — King Charles III is gearing up to use his Christmas message this year to commend health care workers, especially after both he and the Princess of Wales received cancer diagnoses. This significant message will be shared with millions, emphasizing the critical role of health professionals during a challenging year for the royal family.
This marks the king’s third Christmas speech since ascending the throne following the passing of the Queen in September 2022. It is particularly poignant as it is the first since he was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February, requiring him to temporarily limit public engagements.
The broadcast, which will air on Christmas Day afternoon, was recorded at the historic Fitzrovia Chapel in London. This chapel was once part of the now-demolished Middlesex Hospital, where Diana, the late Princess of Wales, opened one of the first dedicated AIDS wards in the city. The chapel itself is adorned in beautiful Gothic Revival style, featuring a stunning gold leaf ceiling decorated with more than 500 stars.
Carla Whalen, chair of the Fitzrovia Chapel Foundation’s board of trustees, remarked, “This space, being one of calm reflection, but also thinking about health, about care, about the medical profession, would make it a pretty apt choice of location.”
In a departure from tradition, King Charles requested that his Christmas message be recorded in a community-focused venue instead of the royal residences like Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. This approach reflects his aim to engage more directly with the public. The last time his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, recorded her message outside the royal estate was back in 2006.
The selected venue was chosen based on specific criteria: it needed to have connections to health, be a place that fosters community engagement, and serve as a sanctuary for both those of faith and those without.
In her recent voiceover for the annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which she recorded this month and aired recently, Kate spoke about the support she has received. “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our vulnerabilities and underscores the importance of empathy and connection,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla has been battling a lingering chest infection that has prevented her from attending various events, including the remembrance service for fallen service personnel last month.
This Christmas, the royal family, including Prince William, Kate, and their three children, will celebrate at Sandringham Estate in eastern England. However, reports suggest that King Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, will not be present in an effort to avoid further scandal, following the news that a suspected Chinese spy with ties to the Duke of York has been banned from the UK due to national security concerns.
