King’s Speech live – Charles gives Christmas message after joining Kate and William at Sandringham
Charles offers message of hope in second festive broadcast of reign recorded at Buckingham Palace
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more
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.
Well wishers gather to meet royals at church
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
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
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
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
British Royal family attend service at St Magdalene Church
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
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
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?
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?
‘They’re actually boring when it comes to festivities,’ says royal family’s former chef
Video: Prince Louis steals show in adorable moment at Princess of Wales Christmas carol service
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies