King Charles breaks tradition with Christmas speech from different location amid health challenges
by Russell MyersRoyal EditorAntony Clements-ThrowerNews Reporter · RSVP LiveIn a heartfelt nod to his personal battle with cancer this year, the King will deliver his much-anticipated Christmas message from the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, historically connected to the Middlesex Hospital. People are set to tune in on Christmas Day to the King's address, marking a departure from over a decade of Royal Christmas messages recorded at Royal residences.
The monarch chose this meaningful location as a tribute to healthcare, with the broadcast being filmed nearly two weeks ago at the former hospital chapel situated in Pearson Square, central London, according to reports from The Telegraph.
Eager to give this year's address a new and modern energy, the King has expressed his long-standing intention to "reach out into communities rather than bringing them into him", as revealed by a Royal insider. Following a difficult year of health challenges within the Royal family and significant events causing national unrest, it's expected that King Charles will reflect on the enduring themes of healthcare and the strength found in community ties.
The King is anticipated to talk about the immense value of solidarity and togetherness and will include various religious elements in his speech. A palace source has shared that the speech will importantly "reflect on international, national and personal challenges and how they can be overcome by communities supporting one another".
The King has chosen the location for his third annual speech, which is expected to generate significant interest due to its medical history, in an effort to give the broadcast a contemporary and fresh feel. It's reported that Charles was completely captivated by the size, 'astonishing beauty', and rich history of the place, reports the Mirror.
The foundation stone of the hospital was laid by the King's grandfather, George VI, when it was rebuilt in 1928. The chapel, with its golden mosaic ceiling over the nave, was constructed at the heart of the former Middlesex Hospital, providing a space for staff and patients to find solace and reflect.
The past year has been extraordinary for the King and his family, as they faced numerous unprecedented challenges both individually and collectively. Both Charles and the Princess of Wales were hospitalised on the same day in January this year - the King for an enlarged prostate and Kate for abdominal surgery.
They were both diagnosed with cancer within days of each other a few weeks later. Princess Anne was also hospitalised after being knocked unconscious by a horse, while the Queen has been recovering from pneumonia recently.
As palace aides continue to assure that the monarch's treatment is 'moving in the right direction', Charles is expected to deliver a message of hope amidst adversity. He continues his treatment into the next year while looking forward to resuming a full schedule of engagements both domestically and internationally.
A fresh snap of the King participating in the recording earlier this month is set to be unveiled later today. The King and Queen are currently at Sandringham, gearing up to host 47 guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their three children, for the holiday season.
The King's speech will be broadcasted at 3pm on Christmas Day across TV and radio.