Did you notice a difference in this year’s King speech?
Here is the reason why King Charles III decided to break royal protocol with his 2024 Christmas speech today.
Royal broadcasts have been a staple in British programming on Christmas Day, with most of us used to seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II – and now Charles – pop up on our TVs with a 10-minute speech at 3.00pm.
The speeches typically take place within Buckingham Palace or from somewhere else in the royal estate, with eagle-eyed viewers scrutinising the photos of family members in the background.
However there was none of that this year as the King opted to break protocol with his 2024 address.
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King Charles broke Royal protocol with this year’s speech (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The speech – which had been pre-recorded on 11 December – was filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, a former chapel of the Middlesex Hospital which is now closed and demolished.
This marked the first time in 14 years since the staple speech has not been filmed in a building of the royal estate.
So, what’s the reason for the change in venue?
The Grade II* listed chapel featured in this year’s speech features a ‘richly decorated’ interior which offered a place of ‘peace, prayer and reflection’ for both patients and healthcare workers at the former hospital.
Acknowledgement and appreciation for doctors and nurses were a key part of the King’s speech, after several members of the Royal Family underwent their own health battles earlier in the year.
The interior of Fitzrovia Chapel, which features Byzantine-inspired architecture (Getty Stock Images)
As you’ll remember, the King began treatment for an unspecified form of cancer earlier back in February and made sure to pay tribute to ‘selfless’ healthcare workers during his speech. Kate Middleton also revealed that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy a month later, with the Princess of Wales confirming she was cancer-free in September.
“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”
King Charles III stood in Fitzrovia Chapel (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Elsewhere in the speech, the King revealed his ‘deep sense of pride’ in seeing how communities came together after a series of riots rocked the nation in the days following the devastating Southport stabbings which killed three girls.
“I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together, not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair,” he added.Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Christmas, King Charles III, UK News, Royal Family
Brenna Cooper
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Published 14:10 23 Dec 2024 GMT
King Charles will break royal protocol with this year’s Christmas speech
There’ll be something different about 2024’s address
King Charles will break royal protocol with his Christmas speech this year.
For some families across the UK (and even around the world), it’s a yearly tradition to sit down after dinner and watch the Royal reigning monarch address the nation.
And usually, we know exactly what to expect; the King will look back at some of the main events from the past 12 months and wish us all a merry Christmas from a room in Buckingham Palace or from part of the royal estate.
However, it seems as though Charles has decided to shake it up for 2024 as he’s doing something a little less usual.
This year’s speech will take place in a chapel. (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
For this year’s King’s Speech, he will be reflecting on an ‘extraordinary’ year from the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former chapel of the Middlesex Hospital now closed and demolished. He recorded the 10-minute address back on 11 December.
This will mark the first time in 14 years since the staple speech has not been filmed in a building of the royal estate.
For over a century, the chapel was a place of solace for patients, medical staff, and the public, and is described today as a ‘much-valued space’ for all those in the area.
It is believed that filming the speech in the chapel serves as a bit of a reflection of some of its key themes, such as healthcare and community.
Charles’ speech is said to focus on the efforts of healthcare workers following his cancer diagnosis and hail community cohesion in the wake of riots after the Southport stabbings.
This last year was also an eventful for year for other members of the royal family, including the Princess of Wales receiving treatment for cancer.
Many Brits sit down for the speech each year. (Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Of course, as mentioned earlier, it’s not the first time this annual speech has been done elsewhere – it’s just not the most traditional way of doing it.
The late Queen recorded her 2006 address at Southwark Cathedral and also at Combermere Barracks in Windsor three years earlier.
The Grade II* listed chapel used for this year’s address is found in central London, close to Oxford Street. It has Byzantine-inspired architecture and is described as being ‘richly decorated’ in a Gothic revival style with marble and more than 500 stars in the gold leaf ceiling.
If you’re planning on sitting down to watch it, the King’s Speech will air on Christmas Day, 25 December, on BBC One at 3pm.Featured Image Credit: Victoria Jones – Pool/Getty Images/Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images
Topics: Royal Family, Christmas, UK News, King Charles III
Jess Battison
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Published 13:33 15 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Bizarre reason King Charles has two birthdays as he celebrates one today
As well as his actual birthday, the King gets another every June
Imagine getting to celebrate your birthday twice a year.
Twice as much birthday cake, twice as many presents and twice as many days where it’s all about you.
Most of us can only dream of such a joy, instead settling for stretching out our birthday celebrations as much as possible into a so-called ‘birthweek.’
But, for King Charles, it’s a reality.
As well as his actual birthday on 14 November, the monarch is being honoured today (15 June) with public festivities and a parade known as Trooping the Colour.
Alongside his actual birthday, King Charles has an ‘official’ birthday in June (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
During the Trooping the Colour, which happens annually on the second Saturday of June, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will march from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade and back again.
According to the Household Division, the parade’s name comes from officers from the different regiments of the British Army displaying their flags or ‘colours.’
Its origins trace back to the battlefield, when these flags signalled a rallying point for soldiers.
“In order to ensure that every soldier would be able to recognise their colours, the flag would be marched or ‘trooped’ regularly around the ranks,” the Royal Museums Greenwich says.
“A regiment’s colours came to have huge significance for serving soldiers, and the gain or loss of colours were seen as decisive moments in battle.”
But why doesn’t the celebration happen on the King’s actual birthday in November?
The official celebrations coincide with the annual Trooping the Colour (John Phillips/Getty Images)
The tradition of the monarch having both an actual birthday and an ‘official’ birthday dates back to the 18th century.
In 1748, King George II decided to combine the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration even though he was born in November.
The reason why the festivities take place in June is also quite practical as the weather tends to be better, which makes sense to be fair.
The Royal Museums Greenwich notes: “With a November birthday being too cold for a celebratory parade, he tied his celebrations in with the annual Trooping the Colour military parade.”
So, it’s ultimately the British weather that has to answer for the King getting two birthdays and we’re not jealous at all that we’re not afforded the same luxury.
Although, with Prince William’s birthday taking place on 21 June – coinciding perfectly with the annual Trooping the Colour – when he eventually inherits the throne, he may just have the one like the rest of us mere peasants.Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images/Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Topics: Royal Family, King Charles III, UK News
Bec Oakes
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Updated 09:47 6 Feb 2024 GMTPublished 18:03 5 Feb 2024 GMT
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer
The Palace has issued a statement
King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing a treatment plan, the Palace has said.
A statement from Buckingham Palace reads: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reacted to the news of the King’s cancer diagnosis by posting on X: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.
“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
The news comes just days after the monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate.
The King was discharged from the London Clinic on 29 January after three nights receiving medical care at the hospital.
Charles underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition and it has been reported that he could take up to a month off from public duties as he recuperates.
At the time he was discharged, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.
Alastair Grant – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days.”
Speaking last Thursday (1 February), his wife Queen Camila said: “He’s recovering well, thank you.”
Charles is understood to have wanted to share the news to encourage other men to get themselves checked.
NHS England has said the ‘enlarged prostate’ page on the NHS website received one visit every five seconds on the day the King’s diagnosis was announced, with further huge boosts in visits in the days that followed.
The 75-year-old has been on the throne for 16 months following the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.Featured Image Credit: Alastair Grant/Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Topics: Royal Family, UK News, King Charles III
Claire Reid
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Published 15:12 25 Dec 2023 GMT
King Charles pays emotional tribute to ‘selfless’ workers in Christmas day speech
King Charles III gave his second Christmas address today
Christmas Day might be made up with a load of eating, presents and family time, but another key staple to many is the King’s speech.
King Charles III gave his second Christmas address to Brits today (25 December) following many years of his mum, the late Queen Elizabeth II, doing the coveted speech.
Charles III: The Coronation Year trailer
Credit: BBC
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Officially crowned at his coronation earlier this year, Charles’ second festive message featured him being the very first to do something rather important.
In the background of the King’s speech this year, was a still-living tree.
This makes him the first monarch to do so, and it was decorated with natural ornaments made from sustainable materials, reinforcing the message of sustainability. The King has long championed supporting the environment.
Brits up and down the nation (and likely all over the world) will have sat down at 3pm today to watch the address.
It included thanks to volunteers as he said: “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.”
Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
The King also touched on his care towards the environment as he said: “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.”
King Charles also spoke about the ‘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,’” he said.
Hannah McKay – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“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.”
The King finished with a classic: “I wish you a Christmas of ‘peace on Earth and goodwill to all’, today and always.”
Well, Merry Christmas and all that, lads.