The King is set to deliver his highly anticipated 2025 Christmas message from a historic section of Westminster Abbey. Although the specifics of his speech are being kept secret until 3pm tomorrow, there are hints of a heartfelt reference to his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales.
A photo of Charles has been released standing in the Abbey’s Lady Chapel, where he will present this year’s message. The background showcases Christmas trees repurposed from Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert, held at the abbey earlier in December before the King’s message was recorded.
This marks the second instance during his reign that Charles has opted to film his Christmas speech outside Buckingham Palace, aiming to convey a sense of community, according to royal sources. Westminster Abbey, a significant church of pilgrimage, has seen the coronation of almost every English and British monarch since 1066, a central theme of the King’s message this year.
Visitors flock to Westminster Abbey annually to honor the legacy of Edward the Confessor, whose Shrine is at the heart of the Abbey. Additionally, it is where the Prince and Princess of Wales exchanged vows in 2011. In his televised address on Christmas Day at 3pm, the King is expected to emphasize community unity once more.
Since ascending the throne in September 2022, Charles has centered his focus on the “four Cs” – Climate, Community, Culture, and Commonwealth. Following his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, a “fifth C” was added to his agenda, aligning with his public responsibilities and patronages.
An avid environmental advocate, Charles is likely to touch upon the critical need for preserving the natural world, a cornerstone of his public service.
The King is anticipated to reflect on the poignant commemorations that took place earlier this year across Britain, Europe, and the Commonwealth, commemorating 80 years since VE Day on May 8, 1945, and VJ Day on August 15. Furthermore, his visit to the Vatican in October is expected to be highlighted, where he made history by praying with the Pope, a symbolic gesture of unity between Anglicans and Roman Catholics worldwide.
While the King won’t delve into his ongoing health challenges, having recently announced a reduction in his cancer treatment schedule starting in the New Year, his Christmas festivities will kick off with his immediate family at Sandringham in Norfolk. Joined by the Queen, the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will attend the St Mary Magdalene Church service on Christmas Day, followed by a festive lunch.
However, the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and his former spouse, Sarah Ferguson, will not be part of the royal Christmas gathering, as they were stripped of their titles due to their association with Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew and Sarah are expected to spend their final Christmas at the Royal Lodge before relocating to separate residences next year. Prince Harry and Meghan, currently residing in California with their children Archie and Lilibet, will also be absent from the royal festivities.