King Charles He thanked the “dedicated doctors and nurses” who supported him and his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, after they were diagnosed with cancer.
On Wednesday, the 76-year-old delivered his annual Christmas address, which was filmed at Fitzrovia Abbey, the former chapel of Middlesex Hospital in London.
The broadcast came several hours after the Queen attended Christmas Mass at a church in Sandringham. Charles was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, his son Prince William and Kate, and his three grandchildren. Kate, who has slowly returned to her public duties after completing chemotherapy, was seen hugging a cancer patient after the service.
Kate Middleton joins King Charles for Christmas service after 'brutal' year
Britain's King Charles III smiles as he records his Christmas message at Fitzrovia Church in central London on December 11, 2024. This year marks the first time the King's Christmas message has been filmed outside a royal residence since 2006, when it was filmed at Southwark Cathedral. (Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
“I am speaking to you today from the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London – now a vibrant community space – and I am thinking in particular of the thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the UK and across the Commonwealth who, with their skill and kindness, They care about others – often to their own detriment.”
“From a personal standpoint, I extend a special, heartfelt thank you to the dedicated doctors and nurses who this year supported me and my other family members through the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the disease and helped provide the strength, care and comfort we needed,” he shared. “I am also extremely grateful to all those who have offered us their kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”
Charles also spoke about the importance of compassion during difficult times.
“We all go through some kind of suffering at some point in our lives, whether psychological or physical,” he said. “The degree to which we help each other – and draw support from each other, whether we are people of faith or non-believers – is a measure of our civilization as nations. This is what continually impresses me, when my family and I meet, and hear from those who dedicate their lives to helping others.”
The King also spoke about ongoing global conflicts and those directly affected by the war.
“On this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflicts – in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to the lives and livelihoods of too many people,” Charles said. .
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles attend Christmas morning mass at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024, in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
“We also think that humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide vital relief,” he added. “After all, The Gospels speak very clearly Conflict and teaching values that we can overcome. The example Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who are suffering, to make a difference in their lives and thus bring hope where there is despair.”
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Charles also spoke about the violent riots the UK faced earlier this year, as well as mass stabbings Taylor Swift themed dance class In Southport, England. The attack led to the death of three children.
“I felt a deep sense of pride here in the UK when communities came together, in response to the anger and lawlessness in so many towns this summer, not to repeat these behaviors but to reform them,” Charles said. “It's not just repairing buildings, it's repairing relationships. Most importantly, repairing trust; by listening, by understanding, deciding how to act in the best interest of everyone.”
“From a personal standpoint, I extend a special, heartfelt thank you to the dedicated doctors and nurses who this year supported me and my other family members through the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the disease and helped provide the strength, care and comfort we needed.”
In September, the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy. (Jordan Beck/Getty Images)
“The angels’ message to the shepherds – that there should be peace on earth – actually resonates in all religions and philosophies,” Charles said. “This applies to this day to people of good will all over the world.
“Therefore, with this in mind, I wish you and all your loved ones a happy and peaceful Christmas,” he concluded.
The King's Christmas speech is the third since he ascended to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, but the first since he was diagnosed with an unknown type of cancer in February.
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Queen Elizabeth II, England's longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022 at the age of 96. (Max Mumbi/Indigo/Getty Images)
The Queen's holiday message is watched by millions of people in the UK and across the Commonwealth, with many families timing their Christmas lunch around it.
The king's treatment, which is believed to be ongoing, forced him to stay away from public appearances for two months. He has slowly returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits during a tour of Australia and the South Pacific in October.
A few weeks after Charles began treatment, announced the Princess of Wales She was diagnosed with cancer, which led to her being sidelined for most of the year.
Prince Louis and his mother Catherine, Princess of Wales during the “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 in London. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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In September, Kate, 42, announced in an emotional video that she had completed chemotherapy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
