• King Charles III delivered his first Christmas message at 3pm in the afternoon, breaking tradition by issuing an image of the recording to the press when the original recording was made on 13th December earlier this month at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
• Charles spoke movingly about his mother, who reigned for 70 years, in his first broadcast as King.
• The King’s Christmas message was recorded in the quire of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and featured a large Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made from sustainable materials including paper and glass as well as natural products like pine cones.

At the customary time for the Christmas Royal Message, which is in the afternoon at 3pm, King Charles III sent his first Christmas message. In a poignant tribute to his mother, the King opened his message by acknowledging that for many people, this will be the first royal Christmas message given without the late Queen and other family and friends that have passed away. While Christmas is undoubtedly a Christian holiday,

King Charles noted that people of all faiths and beliefs celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. “With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas filled with happiness, peace, and everlasting light.” The King also spoke of the dedication of his late mother, but also of the dedication that is shown by rhe Emergency Services and NHS Workers.

When the original tape was made on December 13 earlier this month in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, King Charles broke convention by releasing an image of the recording to the media for his first Christmas message as monarch.

The Queen used to normally record her message in Buckingham Palace, but she did so periodically at Sandringham House and Windsor Castle as well. The monarch’s funeral service was held there, and she and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were buried at St. George’s’ George VI Memorial Chapel.

Charles’ first broadcast as King, which was shown the day following his mother’s passing on September 8, featured an emotional tribute to his “loving mother,” who ruled for 70 years. “We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can offer to their mother,” he stated in the speech, “for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example.”

The Choir of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor sang the National Anthem and a Christmas carol during the broadcast. The King’s Christmas message was recorded in the quire of St. George’s Chapel, where the royal family had sat at the Queen’s committal service. The giant Christmas tree in the background was decked out with decorations made of natural material like pine cones and paper, as well as sustainable materials like glass and paper.

As Prince of Wales, the King frequently expressed worries about the e nvironmental threat and attempted to bring together governments, the public and private sectors to find answers to the climate change crisis.

Holly, berried ivy, and crimson skimmia are used as foliage decorations in the quire of the chapel. The Christmas tree was reused by St. George’s Chapel in the Dean’s Cloister for guests to enjoy after the King’s holiday speech was recorded.