On Christmas Day, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and a heated debate over immigration, King Charles III called on his nation to choose kindness over conflict.
A Message of Compassion
Delivering his annual holiday address from Westminster Abbey, the king highlighted the Christmas story of wise men and shepherds and how their journey teaches us to find strength in 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,” Charles said. He added, “Peace through forgiveness, simply getting to know our neighbors and by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships.” In the same breath, he noted, “In this, with the great diversity of our communities, we can find the strength to ensure that right triumphs over wrong.”
The speech concluded with a Christmas carol sung by a Ukrainian choir, underscoring the message of solidarity with those affected by the conflict.
Pilgrimage and History
Charles chose Westminster Abbey, a site of coronations and royal weddings, to underscore the theme of pilgrimage that ran through his speech. He remarked, “Pilgrimage is a word less used today, but it is of particular significance for our modern world, and especially at Christmas,” and explained that it is about journeying forward into the future while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons. The abbey also hosts an annual pilgrimage honoring Edward the Confessor, a sainted king canonised in 1161.
Earlier that day, Charles and his family walked on foot to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the king’s private Sandringham Estate, about 100 miles north of London. The royal party, which included Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, and their children George, Louis, and Charlotte, greeted crowds after the service.
Remembrance of War and Unity
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Charles stressed the need to learn from the past. 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 said.” He added, “These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth,” and urged that in times of division, those values must remain at the forefront.
The pre-recorded speech is broadcast at 3 p.m. London time, when many families are enjoying their traditional Christmas lunch, and is watched by millions across the U.K. and the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent nations.
Personal Health Update
This year’s address comes just two weeks after Charles made a deeply personal television appearance in which he said “good news” from his doctors meant that he would be able to reduce his treatment for cancer in the new year. The king was diagnosed with a still undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024. Buckingham Palace says his treatment is now moving to a “precautionary phase” and his condition will be monitored to ensure his continued recovery.
Inter-Church Relations
The speech was accompanied by a video showing members of the royal family meeting the public and carrying out their duties. It also included scenes from the king’s historic trip to the Vatican, where he works to forge closer relations 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, divided for centuries over issues that now include the ordination of female priests in the Church of England, have prayed together.
Light-Hearted Moment Down Under
In a lighter note, King Charles received a unique greeting while in Australia. The 75-year-old monarch reacted humorously when an alpaca, dressed in regal attire, a crown and bowtie, sneezed on him as he went to say hello.
Key Takeaways
- King Charles calls for kindness and unity amid Ukraine war and migration tensions.
- The speech highlights pilgrimage, remembrance of WWII, and inter-church cooperation.
- The king shares personal cancer recovery progress and a hopeful outlook.
King Charles’s message, delivered from Westminster Abbey and watched worldwide, reiterates that even after years of conflict, there is always hope to start over and that peace is possible.
