How King will break from tradition in his Christmas speech this year

The King has broken tradition by recording this year's Christmas Day message at a church rather than on a royal estate.

King Charles has chosen to film the annual address to the nation at a former hospital chapel following his ongoing battle with cancer. 

The Monarch will appear on TV screens on Wednesday to deliver his speech from the Fitzrovia Chapel in London, which once served as a chapel for Middlesex Hospital.

It marks the first time in 14 years that the King's speech has not been filmed on a royal estate. 

The chapel is understood to reflect the key themes of healthcare and community that the King is expected to talk about during the speech, according to The Telegraph. 

The newspaper added that his message will focus on the 'incredible work' of the healthcare profession in a year where he and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, were both diagnosed with cancer. 

He will also highlight the value of community, praising the population for coming together in the wake of this summer's far-right riots. 

Charles has been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February.  It was revealed last week that the 76-year-old is 'moving in a positive direction' and will continue his treatment into 2025. 

It was reportedly the monarch's own idea to film the broadcast outside of Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. 

A royal source told The Telegraph The King wanted to use his speech to 'reach out into communities rather than bringing them into him'. 

'Even though this is a Christmas address, His Majesty likes to reach out to those of all faiths and none,' they added. 

Charles had reportedly never seen the church before and was 'absolutely enchanted' by its size, 'astonishing beauty' and rich history during his first visit.

The chapel, located at Pearson Square in central London, features Byzantine-inspired architecture and a golden mosaic ceiling. 

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.