King’s Speech live – Charles gives Christmas message after joining Kate and William at Sandringham
The King has delivered his Christmas message after joining other members of the royal family at Sandringham to celebrate Christmas Day.
The festive address – the second of Charles’s reign since the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – was delivered at 3pm on Monday in Buckingham Palace’s Centre Room, which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking The Mall and was decorated with a living Christmas tree that will be replanted.
The King called on people to protect each other, delivered a powerful message about the environment and praised volunteers serving communities across the country.
Earlier, Charles and Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
It comes after the King and Queen waved to well-wishers while attending a Christmas Eve service at the church on Sunday.
Royal Christmases traditionally feature the greeting of people outside the church, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.
Sandringham House has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs for more than 160 years, and now belongs to the King.
Key Points
Charles offers message of hope amid ‘tragic conflict around world’ in King’s Speech
Read The King’s Christmas Day speech in full
Charles and Camilla attend church service on Christmas day alongside other royals
Full report: King Charles offers message of hope amid ‘increasingly tragic conflict around world’
07:55 , Andy Gregory
The King has called on people to “protect each other” as he said in his Christmas broadcast that the world is living through a time of increasingly tragic conflict.
Charles delivered his festive address – the second of his reign following the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – standing up in Buckingham Palace’s Centre Room, which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking The Mall.
My colleague Tara Cobham has the full report:
Charles offers message of hope amid ‘tragic conflict around world’ in King’s Speech
King Charles makes major departure from Queen in his Christmas speech
07:01 , Alexander Butler
King Charles delivered the second Christmas address of his reign as monarch and it was noteworthy for what it included as well as what - and who - it left out, Maira Butt reports.
While his mother Queen Elizabeth II traditionally opted for a family-centred speech with images of her children and relatives in the backdrop, the King’s speech left out any mention of his loved ones at all.
However, a brief glance of Prince William and Kate were seen.
King Charles makes major departure from Queen in his Christmas speech
Royal family attend Christmas Day service at Sandringham
04:00 , Alexander Butler
The royal family marked Christmas Day by attending the traditional festive church service on the King’s Sandringham estate.
Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand in hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham house on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.
They walked behind the King and Queen, who were greeted by about a thousand local residents, many of whom had waited hours on Christmas morning to catch a glimpse of the family.
Royal family attend Christmas Day service at Sandringham
How King Charles and Queen Camilla are spending their Christmas at Sandringham
02:01 , Alexander Butler
Most families have their own beloved Christmas traditions. Perhaps it’s playing a never-ending game of Monopoly, wearing your pyjamas all day or falling asleep to the murmur of the EastEnders Christmas Special. Whatever your tradition – the royal family has some of its own grander traditions, too, Ellie Muir reports.
Royal Christmases are alive with tradition and routine: a morning church visit, a roast turkey banquet, walking the Sandringham grounds, and opening presents with a little nod to their German roots.
Queen Elizabeth II famously hosted every Christmas at the family’s country estate in Norfolk since 1998 – and her son King Charles will likely continue the tradition in his first official year as King following his coronation in May.
How King Charles and Queen Camilla are spending their Christmas at Sandringham
How Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas this year
00:01 , Alexander Butler
Despite murmurings of a possible reconciliation at Sandringham, it appears that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for their annual Christmas celebrations in Norfolk after all, Maanya Sachdeva reports.
The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted every Christmas at the royal estate since 1998, with her son King Charles III expected to continue the same tradition in his first official year as monarch since the coronation in May.
Last month, it was reported the couple would not turn down an invite to spend Christmas at Sandringham if they were asked, amid rumours that a reunion between Harry and Charles could be on the horizon.
How Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas this year
I’m a royal expert – here’s what you need to know about the Sandringham Christmas
Monday 25 December 2023 22:41 , Alexander Butler
Royal Christmases have an established pattern. To watch the royal family arrive for church is to see largely the same figures but in different outfits, and the children growing up from year to year.
This is the second Christmas of the King’s reign, both of which have been celebrated at Sandringham. So what is different this time? There were touching scenes of young royal cousins holding hands, and there was a spirit of family reconciliation in the air.
Princess Beatrice included her seven-year-old stepson, known as “Wolfie”, son of her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. For the second year running, the King allowed Prince Andrew to join the family for this service.
What you need to know about the royal family’s Sandringham Christmas | Hugo Vickers
Duchess of York joins Royal Christmas service at Sandringham
Monday 25 December 2023 20:30 , Alexander Butler
Sarah, Duchess of York was publicly back at the heart of the royal family after joining the King and Queen at church on Christmas Day.
The former royal, who has had a troubled relationship with the monarchy, was pictured, smiling, and glancing towards the waiting media as she walked beside her ex-husband, the disgraced Duke of York.
Royal fans were treated to the sight of the Prince and Princess of Wales walking hand in hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham house on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.
Read The King’s Christmas Day speech in full
Monday 25 December 2023 19:31 , Alexander Butler
The King has called on people to protect each other, delivered a powerful message about the environment and praised volunteers serving communities across the country in the second Christmas broadcast of his reign.
The festive address – the second since the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – was delivered standing up in Buckingham Palace’s centre room, which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking The Mall.
Charles called on people to “protect each other” as he said the world is living through a time of increasingly tragic conflict.
Read The King’s Christmas Day speech in full
King Charles’s five-point plan as he urges trillions of dollars to tackle climate crisis
Monday 25 December 2023 18:30 , Alexander Butler
King Charles set out an action plan for tackling the climate crisis based on five key suggestions at Cop28, saying up to five trillion dollars will be needed each year, Jane Dalton reports.
His proposals, made in the form of questions, included bringing together different types of organisations to face the crisis, and involving private and goodwill finance, on top of public money.
Secondly, the King suggested targeting that cash carefully at projects driving sustainable changes and away from dangerous practices in all industries worldwide.
Charles’s five-point plan as he urges trillions of dollars to tackle climate crisis
Watch: King Charles urges public to protect environment in Christmas message
Monday 25 December 2023 17:50 , Alexander Butler
King Charles III urged the public to help protect the environment in his 2023 Christmas message.
His Majesty spoke from the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, where he addressed the nation and Commonwealth countries.
Charles, a keen environmental campaigner who delivered a speech at the recent Cop28 UN Climate Change summit, said: “We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.
“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share.”
King Charles urges public to protect environment in Christmas message
Prince and Princess of Wales release photo of children to mark Christmas Day
Monday 25 December 2023 16:00 , Tara Cobham
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a photo on Christmas Day of their three children.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appear without their parents in the black and white photograph.
Charlotte sits smiling between her two brothers, with her arms around each of them.
They are wearing white shirts, with Charlotte and George in trousers and Louis in shorts.
The photo was posted on social media with the caption: “Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W & C.”
Luke O'Reilly reports:
Prince and Princess of Wales release photo of children to mark Christmas Day
Skies of Bethlehem ‘full of fear’, says archbishop in Christmas Day sermon
Monday 25 December 2023 15:45 , Tara Cobham
The Archbishop of Canterbury has used his Christmas Day sermon to highlight antisemitism in the UK and the suffering of children caught up in the Israel-Hamas war.
Referring to Jesus Christ’s birthplace, which is now in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Most Rev Justin Welby said “the skies of Bethlehem are full of fear rather than angels and glory”.
He compared the turbulent conditions of Jesus’s birth with the modern-day plight of children in the troubled region.
Sam Hall reports:
Skies of Bethlehem ‘full of fear’, says archbishop in Christmas Day sermon
Watch in full: Charles delivers 2023 King’s Speech from Buckingham Palace
Monday 25 December 2023 15:33 , Tara Cobham
King Charles III‘s delivered 2023’s King’s Speech with a Christmas message focused on paying tribute to “selfless” community volunteers and urging the public to protect the environment.
It is Charles’s second King’s Speech, and was delivered in the Centre Room in Buckingham Palace which leads on to the royal residence’s iconic balcony.
His Majesty also referenced conflicts around the world, saying that he prayed “We can... do all in our power to protect each other.”
The living tree seen in today’s broadcast will be replanted after the broadcast in a nod to the King’s environmental interests.
Holly Patrick reports:
Watch in full: Charles delivers 2023 King’s Speech from Buckingham Palace
Read The King’s Christmas Day speech in full
Monday 25 December 2023 15:17 , Tara Cobham
The King has called on people to protect each other, delivered a powerful message about the environment and praised volunteers serving communities across the country in the second Christmas broadcast of his reign.
Here is the full text of the King’s Christmas broadcast:
Read The King’s Christmas Day speech in full
King offers message of hope in speech amid ‘increasingly tragic conflict around world’
Monday 25 December 2023 15:16 , Tara Cobham
The King has called on people to “protect each other” as he said the world is living through a time of increasingly tragic conflict in his Christmas broadcast.
The festive address – the second of Charles’s reign since the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 – was delivered standing up in Buckingham Palace’s Centre Room, which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking The Mall.
The King also praised the “selfless army” of volunteers serving communities across the country, describing them as the “essential backbone of our society”. He said the presence of community stalwarts among his coronation guests emphasised the meaning of the ceremony – “a call to us all to serve one another”.
Read more here:
Charles offers message of hope amid ‘tragic conflict around world’ in King’s Speech
King delivers powerful message about environment in Christmas broadcast
Monday 25 December 2023 15:13 , Tara Cobham
The King has delivered a powerful message about the environment in his annual Christmas broadcast.
Charles said: “Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story – the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbour as ourselves.
“Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.
“Because out of God’s providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely.
“However, service to others is but one way of honouring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions.
“To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.
“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share.
“I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognise this – as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.”
Charles offers message of hope amid ‘tragic conflict around world’ in Christmas broadcast
Monday 25 December 2023 15:09 , Tara Cobham
The King has called on people to “protect each other” as he said the world is living through a time of increasingly tragic conflict in his annual Christmas broadcast.
Charles said: “At a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the World, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’
“Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours, and to seek their good as we would our own.
“So on this Christmas Day, my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves.
“I wish you a Christmas of ‘peace on Earth and goodwill to all’, today and always.”
Charles pays tribute to ‘selfless’ volunteers in his Christmas address
Monday 25 December 2023 15:08 , Tara Cobham
The King has praised the “selfless army” of volunteers serving communities across the country, describing them as the “essential backbone of our society”, in his Christmas broadcast.
Charles said: “Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal. A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness.
“For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts. For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents. It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day.
“This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as they waited for Jesus to be born.
“Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another – going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.
“My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people – volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction – were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year.
“They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasised the meaning of coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”
Watch live: Charles delivers King’s Speech from Buckingham Palace
Monday 25 December 2023 15:03 , Tara Cobham
Watch live as King Charles III delivers the annual King’s Speech on Monday, 25 December.
His Majesty is delivering the second Christmas message of his reign from a Buckingham Palace room decorated with a living Christmas tree.
The King, like Queen Elizabeth II, writes his Christmas broadcasts.
Watch live here:
Watch live: Charles delivers King’s Speech from Buckingham Palace
King set to deliver his Christmas message
Monday 25 December 2023 14:50 , Tara Cobham
The King will soon deliver his Christmas message.
Charles’ second festive broadcast will air at 3pm and was recorded in the Centre Room in Buckingham Palace, which leads onto the royal residence’s iconic balcony.
The room is decorated with a living Christmas tree, which will be replanted after the broadcast. From its branches hang natural and sustainable decorations, including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper.
King Charles to use Christmas Day address to deliver powerful environmental message
Monday 25 December 2023 14:32 , Maira Butt
The King is set to deliver a powerful message about the environment to the millions of viewers tuning in to the second Christmas broadcast of his reign.
King Charles III, a long-term green campaigner, will make sustainability a key point in his annual festive address to the nation and Commonwealth on Christmas Day in what will be a departure from last year.
To attempt to highlight this, he will speak from a Buckingham Palace room decorated with a living Christmas tree, marking the first time a living tree has been used as part of his backdrop.
King Charles to use Christmas Day address to deliver powerful environmental message
Zara and Mike Tindall leave church service
Monday 25 December 2023 14:10 , Maira Butt
As St Magdalene Church emptied following a Christmas service this morning, Zara and Mike Tindall were also seen leaving the building.
Prince and Princess of Wales hold hands with family at Christmas morning service
Monday 25 December 2023 13:43 , Maira Butt
Royal fans were treated to the sight of the Prince and Princess of Wales walking hand in hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham house on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.
And in a touching moment, Zara and Mike Tindall’s eldest daughter Mia held hands with Louis, who in turn held his father’s hand.
Duchess of York joins royal Christmas service at Sandringham
Monday 25 December 2023 13:30 , Maira Butt
Sarah, Duchess of York was publicly back at the heart of the royal family after joining the King and Queen at church on Christmas Day.
The former royal, who has had a troubled relationship with the monarchy, was pictured, smiling, and glancing towards the waiting media as she walked beside her ex-husband, the disgraced Duke of York.
It has been decades since Sarah made the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church with royals – normally reserved for close family – but in recent years it is thought she has been a guest for Christmas lunch.
She has won plaudits in recent months for her battle with breast cancer, praised for speaking openly about her treatment and setting an example for other women to get screened.
It is thought the last time she was pictured walking to church with Queen Elizabeth was in the early 1990s.
In pictures: Royals attend Christmas morning church service
Monday 25 December 2023 13:13 , Maira Butt
King Charles meets crowds after church service
Monday 25 December 2023 13:10 , Maira Butt
King Charles III meets well-wishers after attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Princess of Wales meets well-wishers after attending church service
Monday 25 December 2023 12:46 , Maira Butt
The royal family met with crowds of residents who gathered to meet the royals outside St Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
Princess Kate was seen gathering bouquets of flowers and speaking with well-wishers.
Disgraced Prince Andrew also in attendance at church with family
Monday 25 December 2023 12:40 , Maira Butt
For the second year in succession the disgraced Duke of York walked from Sandringham to church with the family.
Andrew’s alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will come under further scrutiny in the new year with the release of hundreds of files from a defamation case, after a ruling by a US judge.
His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York appeared in public at Sandringham for the first time in years, walking beside her ex-husband and smiling broadly at the press.
Andrew’s daughters were with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
King Charles and Queen Camilla lead exit from church after Christmas morning service
Monday 25 December 2023 12:23 , Maira Butt
Sarah Ferguson appears to gather gifts from well-wishers
Monday 25 December 2023 12:20 , Maira Butt
Over a thousand local residents attended the Christmas day church service at St Magdalene church in Sandringham in Norfolk.
Some travelled all the way from the US while others brought gifts for Sarah Ferguson. The royal was pictured with gift bags and bouquets of flowers as she left the church.
Royal family attend Christmas Day service at Sandringham
Monday 25 December 2023 12:13 , Maira Butt
The royal family marked Christmas Day by attending the traditional festive church service on the King’s Sandringham estate.
Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand in hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham house on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.
They walked behind the King and Queen, who were greeted by about a thousand local residents, many of whom had waited hours on Christmas morning to catch a glimpse of the family.
For the second year in succession the disgraced Duke of York walked from Sandringham to church with the family.
His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York appeared in public at Sandringham for the first time in years, walking beside her ex-husband and smiling broadly at the press.
Andrew’s daughters were with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
Prince William and Princess Kate leave church service with children
Monday 25 December 2023 12:09 , Maira Butt
Prince William and his family were seen leaving a church service at St Magdalene church on Christmas day. He was joined by Princess Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Princess Eugenie and Beatrice among royals departing Christmas church service
Monday 25 December 2023 12:05 , Maira Butt
Lady Armstrong-Jones joins royals at church service
Monday 25 December 2023 12:03 , Maira Butt
Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones joined the Earl of Snowdon in attending the morning mass on Christmas day in Sandringham.
Protestor carrying Palestinian flag seen talking to police
Monday 25 December 2023 11:59 , Maira Butt
A protestor who attended the Christmas church service at Sandringham was seen talking to the police today.
The man was seen carrying a placard alongside a Palestinian flag and appeared to be alone.
Well wishers gather to meet royals at church
Monday 25 December 2023 11:55 , Maira Butt
Groups of well-wishers have gathered outside St Magdalene church in Sandringham, Norfolk in a bid to spot the royals as they leave a Christmas church service today.
They brought folding chairs and blankets to stay warm and comfortable.
Two fans, Bronte Stewart and Stephanie Abdullah, flew all the way from Washington DC in America to be present.
Sarah Ferguson wears festive colours for church service at Sandringham
Monday 25 December 2023 11:49 , Maira Butt
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, was also in attendance at St Magdalene church for Christmas mass.
Duke of Edinburgh and Duchess of Edinburgh join King Charles and Queen Camilla
Monday 25 December 2023 11:47 , Maira Butt
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh was joined by his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in Sandringham, Norfolk.
King Charles and Camilla attending church service on Christmas day
Monday 25 December 2023 11:43 , Maira Butt
King Charles and Queen Camilla joined their family in attending a church service on Christmas day.
The service took place at St Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.
King Charles’ speech will be broadcast at 3pm today and is expected to feature “green” themes.
In pictures: Princess Charlotte and Princes George and Louis join Christmas service
Monday 25 December 2023 11:39 , Maira Butt
British Royal family attend service at St Magdalene Church
Monday 25 December 2023 11:35 , Maira Butt
Prince William and Princess Kate were joined by their children George, Charlotte and Louis for a church service at St Magdalene in Sandringham Norfolk.
It marks the first time the Royals have spent Christmas in Sandringham since 2019.
Princess Kate attends Christmas day church service
Monday 25 December 2023 11:31 , Maira Butt
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, attended the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.
She was joined by her children and husband Prince William.
King Charles’ ‘Green Speech’ Christmas address will feature living tree which will be replanted
Monday 25 December 2023 11:12 , Maira Butt
The King’s Speech is set to air at 3pm today and will feature a living Christmas tree as a backdrop for the first time.
King Charles III, a long-term green campaigner, will make sustainability a key point in his annual festive address to the nation and Commonwealth on Christmas Day in what will be a departure from last year.
To drive home this message, his living Christmas tree will be replanted after the broadcast.
From its branches hang natural and sustainable decorations, including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper.
What does the royal family eat at Christmas?
Monday 25 December 2023 10:55 , Maira Butt
Kaleigh Werner reports:
When it comes to the British royal family, they’ve been known to keep their Christmas meals consistent and always abide by long-standing traditions - with a selection of meat and classic side dishes.
Eggs, mushrooms, kipper, grilled kidneys, and bacon are on the menu for the men, while the women munch on “a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee” independently.
Lunch consists of a typical feast: roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry, multiple bread sauces, and Christmas pudding.
What does the royal family eat at Christmas?
Video: Prince Louis steals show in adorable moment at Princess of Wales Christmas carol service
Monday 25 December 2023 10:40 , Maira Butt
How Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas this year
Monday 25 December 2023 10:27 , Maanya Saachdeva
Despite murmurings of a possible reconciliation at Sandringham, it appears that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for their annual Christmas celebrations in Norfolk after all.
The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted every Christmas at the royal estate since 1998, with her son King Charles III expected to continue the same tradition in his first official year as monarch since the coronation in May.
Last month, it was reported the couple would not turn down an invite to spend Christmas at Sandringham if they were asked, amid rumours that a reunion between Harry and Charles could be on the horizon.
Read the full piece below.
How Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas this year
King Charles’ address dubbed ‘Green Speech’ will feature living tree which will be replanted
Monday 25 December 2023 11:08 , Maira Butt
The King’s speech is set to take place at 3pm today and will feature a living Christmas tree, which will mark the first time he has used one as part of his backdrop.
He recently delivered a speech at the Cop28 UN Climate Change Conference in which he stressed the urgency of tackling the climate crisis.
“In your hands is an unmissable opportunity to keep our common hope alive,” he added. “I can only urge you to meet it with ambition, imagination, and a true sense of the emergency we face.”
To drive home this message, his living Christmas tree will be replanted after the broadcast.
From its branches hang natural and sustainable decorations, including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper.
In pictures: Well-wishers wait to greet royal family
Monday 25 December 2023 10:04 , Maira Butt
Princess Kate holds annual star-studded carol service
Monday 25 December 2023 09:51 , Maira Butt
Kate Middleton held her annual carol service at Westminster Abbey which was broadcast to the public on Christmas Eve.
As part of the royal’s Shaping Us campaign it showcased ‘the hope of new life and why it is so important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives’.
In a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said:
“From parents and carers, early educators, midwives, health visitors and community volunteers - thank you for all you do in helping the very youngest mnembers of our communities feel safe, valued and loved.
“This is not not just making a difference to children today, it will go on to shape a happier, healthier, fairer world in the future.”
The service was recorded on 8 December and was made public on Sunday.
This year’s Carol Service at Westminster Abbey was all about #ShapingUs and thanking those supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years. pic.twitter.com/REflfQFC32
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 24, 2023
New photograph of royal children from Christmas card shoot
Monday 25 December 2023 09:32 , Maira Butt
A new photo of the royal children has been released.
The black and white picture taken by Josh Shinner is in the same style of Prince William and Princess Kate’s Christmas card and features their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The couple posted it on X with the caption: “Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W & C”
What traditions does the royal family have for Christmas?
Monday 25 December 2023 09:18 , Brittany Miller
This Christmas marks the second year the royals will be ringing in the jolly holiday without the late Queen Elizabeth II. Since her passing in September 2022, King Charles III has taken over many beloved traditions once spearheaded by the Queen.
The royal family typically leaves Buckingham Palace just before Christmas and heads to Sandringham House, the late Queen’s country estate in Norfolk.
There, they attend a Christmas Day church service a short distance from Sandringham House, at St Mary Magdalene Church. It’s believed that the Queen normally remained at Sandringham after Christmas, until the anniversary of the passing of her father - King George VI - on 6 February.
The former monarch died when he was 56 years old at the royal estate when the Queen was just 25 years old, though she was on a royal tour in Kenya at the time.
King and Queen to celebrate Christmas Day with family at Sandringham
Monday 25 December 2023 09:10 , Sam Rkaina
The King and Queen are to celebrate Christmas Day alongside other members of the royal family at Sandringham.
The private Norfolk estate will once again host the traditional royal festivities.
Charles and Camilla are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
The King and Queen, along with the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, waved to well-wishers while attending a Christmas Eve service at the church on Sunday.
Royal Christmases traditionally feature the greeting of people outside the church, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.
Sandringham House has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs for more than 160 years, and now belongs to the King.
King Charles to use Christmas Day address to deliver powerful environmental message
Monday 25 December 2023 09:10 , Maira Butt
Maryam Zakir-Hussain and Tara Cobham report:
The King is set to deliver a powerful message about the environment to the millions of viewers tuning in to the second Christmas broadcast of his reign.
King Charles III, a long-term green campaigner, will make sustainability a key point in his annual festive address to the nation and Commonwealth on Christmas Day in what will be a departure from last year.
To attempt to highlight this, he will speak from a Buckingham Palace room decorated with a living Christmas tree, marking the first time a living tree has been used as part of his backdrop.
King Charles to use Christmas Day address to deliver powerful environmental message
Royals arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church for Christmas Mass
Monday 25 December 2023 09:10 , Maira Butt
The Royal Family have arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church for Christmas Mass.
The family are expected to gather at Sandringham later to celebrate Christmas day.
This year’s gathering at Sandringham is the first time the royal family have spent Christmas at the private royal residence in Norfolk since 2019.
