The King praised the “selfless army” of volunteers supporting communities across the country in his Christmas broadcast, describing them as an “essential backbone of our society”.
Just hours after almost his entire family joined him for the traditional royal Christmas service at Sandringham, Charles paid tribute to the Birtons who dedicate their lives to service.
Charles said the presence of community leaders among his coronation guests underscored the importance of the ceremony – “a call to all of us to serve one another” – and concluded with thanks to those who “cared for our common home.”
Video clips that accompanied the speech also showed all the senior royals during the ten-minute address: his wife, the Queen, of course, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.
Previously, hundreds of royal fans came to see the King at Sandringham, where he and Camilla were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their children Louis, George and Charlotte, the Tindalls and their children, Princess Anne, Princess Edward and.. .were accompanied by Sophie.
Prince Andrew was accompanied to the service by Sarah Ferguson for the first time in more than thirty years.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are once again spending their fourth Christmas in California – after another tumultuous year failed to resolve their dispute with Charles. King Charles only met his youngest granddaughter, Princess Lilibet, once.
Harry and Meghan were reportedly “open” to being invited to Sandringham this year. But any suggestion that this would happen was quickly quashed by royal sources.
King Charles delivered his address to the nation at Buckingham Palace at 3pm on Christmas Day
He was joined at Sandringham by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their young family
The king used his second Christmas speech to highlight his green message, just weeks after he gave the keynote speech at the COP28 climate change conference.
Proving that he is finding ways to adapt his lifelong environmental campaigns to his new role as monarch, Charles emphasized the need to “look after the earth for the benefit of our children's children.”
While standing next to a “living Christmas tree” that will later be replanted and decorated with eco-friendly decorations, he said in the radio address: “Caring for this creation is a responsibility of people of all faiths and even people of no faith.” We care the earth for the benefit of children's children.
“Over the course of my life, I have enjoyed seeing a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the only home we all share.”
“I now find great inspiration in the way so many people recognize this – just like the Christmas story, which tells us that angels first brought the message of hope to the shepherds.”
“These were people who simply lived among other creatures of God.” Those close to nature were privileged that night.'
This year's ITV broadcast also included footage of environmental events during his state visit to Kenya in November.
King Charles addressed issues such as climate change and global conflicts and called on everyone to protect each other
Kate and Charlotte smile at the crowd gathered to see the royal family at Christmas
Sarah Ferguson surveys the crowd with Zara Tindall and her daughter Lena
The King and Queen previously attended the traditional Christmas service at Sandringham along with other members of the royal family
William, Kate, Louis, George and Charlotte leave the church
Prince Louis grinned as he shared a joke with Mia Tindall on Christmas morning
King Charles was pictured with his grandchildren at Sandringham on Christmas Day
Charles and Camilla exchange words as they leave St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk
That speech was also interwoven with references to his coronation in May, from the location – the Center Room at Buckingham Palace, overlooking the balcony from which he and Queen Camilla greeted the mall crowd – to the national anthem. performed by British Army musicians from the Households Division of the Symphonic Brass.
They performed not only at the coronation, but also at the king's first official birthday parade in June and his coronation concert in Windsor.
Several excerpts from the events of the coronation weekend mainly showed himself and his wife as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
The king said he was touched to see how events like the coronation highlighted the ways in which communities across the country care for one another, particularly through volunteer work.
This was accompanied by footage of the Princess of Wales, who accompanied her three children on a voluntary basis in the days following the coronation.
The children helped a local scout group and helped remodel their hut in Slough.
He said this was particularly notable at Christmas, a time of togetherness between generations, regardless of whether people hold a religious belief or not, saying: “For some, faith will be the most important thing in their hearts.”
“For others it will be the joy of fellowship and giving.” It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and also those whose work of caring for others, continues on this special day.”
The King also pointed to the cost of living crisis and continued: “Over the past year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people care for one another – going the extra mile to help those around them, just because. “ They know it's the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and between communities.
“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 distinction – were able to attend the coronation at Westminster Abbey earlier this year.”
“You are an essential backbone of our society.” Their presence meant so much to both of us and underscored the significance of the coronation itself: above all, a call for us all to serve one another; to love and care for everyone.
Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also joined the rest of the royal family on Monday
The Princess of Wales speaks to royal fans at Sandringham
The Princess Royal arrives at the church for the church service in Sandringham this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were at church this morning with the rest of their family
In his speech today, Charles emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment
“Service is also at the heart of the Christmas story – the birth of Jesus, who came to serve the whole world and showed us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
“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 when things are really difficult for many and when we need to build on existing opportunities to to support others who are less fortunate than ourselves.”
Not surprisingly, Charles' thoughts also turned to conflicts abroad, particularly the ongoing military struggle of the people of Ukraine and the current fighting in Israel and Gaza, where he has sought to bring people of all faiths together.
He said: “At a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we too can do everything in our power to protect one another.” Jesus’ words seem more relevant than ever: “Do unto others as you would do unto them would expect from them.”
“Such values are universal and connect our Abrahamic religious family and other belief systems across the Commonwealth and around the world. “They remind us to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors and to seek their well-being as much as our own.”
Like his late mother, a devout Christian and head of the Church of England, the king ended his speech on a religious note.
He said his “heart and gratitude” go out to all who serve and care for one another, “not least the friend we don’t yet know.”
And he concluded: “In this way we bring out the best in ourselves.” I wish you a Christmas of peace on earth and goodwill for all, today and always.”
The Christmas broadcast, the second of Charles' reign, was broadcast standing up in the central room of Buckingham Palace, which leads onto the famous balcony overlooking the Mall. The Queen Victoria Memorial could be seen in the background.
Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones and the Earl of Snowdon at the Christmas morning service
The Princess of Wales put her arm around Prince Louis for comfort as they arrived at church on Monday
Zara Tindall, Lena Tindall and Mike Tindall followed their Mia, who walked alongside Prince Louis
The King and Queen arrived at the church this morning with the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children and other members of the Royal Family
Louis and Mia Tindall demonstrated their close bond as they made their way through the event
Queen Camilla welcomed around 1,000 well-wishers in front of the church today
The Duchess of Edinburgh smiles as she passes crowds of people on her way to church
Prince George appeared adept at the role as he was guided in his duties by Kate
Prince William was on hand to help Louis greet well-wishers who had waited hours for a glimpse of the royal family
George, Mia and Charlotte were seen exchanging a joke at the corner of the meet and greet
For the second year in a row, the king recognized other faiths, describing how “major religions of the world” celebrated festivals with a special meal and how it was the responsibility of “people of all faiths and people of no faith” to care for the natural world care for.
He added: “For some, faith will be the most important thing in their hearts.”
“For others it will be the joy of fellowship and giving.” It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and also those whose work of caring for others, continues on this special day.”
The king is a long-time environmental activist who recently spoke at the UN climate summit Cop28, and the tree will be donated to a charity to be replanted after the transfer.
Natural and sustainable decorations hung from its branches, including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass balls, pine cones and paper.
The King's speech came after the Royal Family celebrated Christmas Day by attending the traditional festive service at the King's Sandringham estate.
Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand in hand from the home in Sandringham to St Mary Magdalene Church with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
They walked behind the king and queen, who were greeted by about a thousand local residents, many of whom had waited for hours on Christmas morning to catch a glimpse of the family.
For the second year in a row, the disgraced Duke of York attended church with the Sandringham family.
Andrew's alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will face further scrutiny in the new year with the release of hundreds of files from a libel case following a ruling by a US judge.
His ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, made her first public appearance at Sandringham in years, walking alongside her ex-husband and smiling broadly at the press.
Andrew's daughters were with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
Christmas message from King Charles
“Many festivals of the world's major religions are celebrated with a special meal. A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; The act of eating together contributes to sociability and togetherness.
“For some, faith will be the most important thing in their hearts.” For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and giving. It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and remember those whose work of caring for others continues on this special day.
“This care and compassion we extend to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph found refuge from strangers in their hour of need while they awaited the birth of Jesus.”
“Over the last year, my heart has been warmed by countless examples of how imaginatively 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.
“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 distinction – were able to attend the coronation at Westminster Abbey earlier this year.”
“You are an essential backbone of our society.” Their presence meant so much to both of us and underscored the significance of the coronation itself: above all, a call for us all to serve one another; to love and care for everyone.
“Service is also at the heart of the Christmas story – the birth of Jesus, who came to serve the whole world and showed us by his own example how to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
“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 need for many, when we must build on existing opportunities to support others who are struggling less well off than ourselves.
“For by the providence of God we have been blessed with much, and it is up to us to use it wisely.”
“However, service to others is only one way of honoring all of creation, which is, after all, a manifestation of the divine.” This is a belief shared by all religions.
“Caring for this creation is a responsibility of people of all faiths and even of people without faith.” We care for the earth for the benefit of our children’s children.
“Over the course of my life, I have enjoyed seeing a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the only home we all share.”
“I now find great inspiration in the way so many people recognize this – just like the Christmas story, which tells us that angels first brought the message of hope to the shepherds.” These were people simply living among other God's creatures lived. Those close to nature were privileged that evening.
“And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do everything in our power to protect one another.” Jesus’ words seem more relevant than ever: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” would expect.”
“Such values are universal and connect our Abrahamic religious family and other belief systems across the Commonwealth and around the world.” They remind us to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors and to seek their welfare as well as our own.
“On this Christmas Day, my heart and gratitude go out to all who serve one another; everyone who cares about our shared home; and all who see and strive for the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. This is how we get the best out of ourselves.
“I wish you today and always a Christmas of peace on earth and goodwill for all.”