On Christmas Day, as the war in Ukraine looms over Europe, Britain’s King Charles III urged a return to compassion in his televised holiday address.
The Christmas Address
Broadcast from Westminster Abbey, the monarch opened with the story of wise men and shepherds traveling at night to find a savior, using it to illustrate the power of companionship and kindness. He said, “To this day, in times of uncertainty, these ways of living are treasured by all the great faiths and provide us with deep wells of hope, of resilience in the face of adversity.” He added, “Peace through forgiveness, simply getting to know our neighbors and by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships.” Charles concluded that the diversity of communities can help “ensure that right triumphs over wrong.”
The speech ended with a Christmas carol performed by a Ukrainian choir, a nod to the ongoing conflict and the solidarity of European allies. It was aired at 3 p.m. London time, a moment when millions across the U.K. and the 56-nation Commonwealth were gathering for the holiday meal.
Pilgrimage and Family Journey
Earlier that day, Charles and his family walked the 100-mile journey from Sandringham to St. Mary Magdalene Church. The pilgrimage included the king, Queen Camilla, Prince William and his wife Catherine, their children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, and extended family. After the service, they greeted crowds, reinforcing the theme of pilgrimage that Charles highlighted in his address.
During the pilgrimage, Charles reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He said, “While there are fewer and fewer living veterans of that conflict, we must remember the courage and sacrifice of those who fought the war and the way communities came together ‘in the face of such great challenge.'” He added, “These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth. As we hear of division, both at home and abroad, they are the values of which we must never lose sight.”
Reflections on War, Migration and Politics
The speech came as European leaders rally support for Ukraine, while signs suggest U.S. President Donald Trump is losing patience with America’s traditional European allies. Domestically, the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer is grappling with unauthorized migration and strained public services. In this climate, Charles’s call for kindness and forgiveness was a stark reminder of shared values.
He also spoke of pilgrimage as a concept “less used today, but of particular significance for our modern world, and especially at Christmas.” He described it as a journey “forward into the future, while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons.”
Personal Health Update
Two weeks before the address, Charles made a televised appearance in which he announced that doctors had given him “good news” that would allow him to reduce his cancer treatment next year. The king was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. Buckingham Palace says his treatment has moved to a “precautionary phase” and his condition will be monitored to ensure continued recovery.
This address is one of the rare occasions when Charles, 77, can voice his own views without seeking government guidance. The pre-recorded speech included a video montage of the royal family-ranging from the king to his grandchildren-meeting the public and performing royal duties, including scenes from his historic trip to the Vatican.
Historic Inter-Church Prayer
During the Vatican visit, Charles worked to strengthen ties between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The event marked the first time since King Henry VIII severed ties with Rome that leaders of the two Christian churches have prayed together. The two churches, divided for centuries over issues that now include the ordination of female priests in the Church of England, shared a moment of unity.
A Light-Hearted Moment Down Under
In a surprising anecdote, the 75-year-old monarch received a unique greeting in Australia. An alpaca, dressed in regal attire complete with a crown and bowtie, sneezed on him as he was about to say hello, eliciting a humorous reaction from the king.
Key Takeaways
- King Charles’s Christmas message emphasized kindness, forgiveness, and community resilience amid the Ukraine war and domestic tensions.
- The king’s family pilgrimage to St. Mary Magdalene Church reinforced themes of pilgrimage and remembrance of World II.
- Charles’s personal health update and the inclusion of a Ukrainian choir highlighted his ongoing battle with cancer and international solidarity.
- Historic inter-church prayer and the alpaca anecdote added layers of religious unity and light-heartedness to the day.
The address, broadcast to millions, reminded viewers that even after years of conflict and division, hope and peace remain possible when people come together in compassion and respect.
