"Delivered from the quire of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, where the late Queen Elizabeth II had also broadcast her Christmas message in 1999, the monarch paid tribute to his mother, and recognised others who had lost loved ones.
Addressing those of all faiths and none, he said religious communities were among those helping others in financial difficulties. He also praised the volunteers, charity workers, healthcare workers and others who had stepped up to help in times of adversity.
On his central theme of “selfless dedication” he said, it could be seen “in our armed forces and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe.
“We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.
“And at this time of great anxiety and hardship – be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm – we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.
“I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all – their time – to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organisations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.”
Of his own Anglican faith, he shared the profound impact on him of visiting the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem some years ago, the place Christians celebrate as the birthplace of Jesus. “It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, ‘The light that has come into the world’ was born.”
The pre-recorded message began with him reflecting on standing “so close to where my beloved mother is laid to rest with my dear father” in the George VI Memorial Chapel as he thanked the public for the “love and sympathy” expressed in cards and messages of condolence.
Of his personal loss, he said: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.” He shared the late Queen’s “faith in people” , and the religious belief of the “power of light overcoming darkness”, he said.
The broadcast included footage of the armed forces and emergency services at work. It also showed the core of the royal family as it now is. The Prince and Princess of Wales were shown on a visit to Swansea. Other members of the royal family were shown at various events, including the Earl and Countess of Wessex. But there were no images or references to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Charles hosted Christmas Day at Sandringham with members of the royal family making their traditional Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene church on the Norfolk estate.
The king and the queen consort led members of the royal family as they walked to St Mary Magdalene church, Sandringham, for a first Christmas Day service since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke of York walked with them as a family member, though he no longer has any public role and is no longer a working royal.
For the first time, the Prince and Princess of Wales brought their youngest son, Louis, four, who joined his siblings George, nine, and Charlotte, seven. Other royals who walked into the church past a small group of members of the public, included Andrew’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
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