Charles ‘showed us all how to deal with challenges of tough year – even with health struggles he still thinks of others’
KING Charles’ Christmas message showed us all how to deal with personal challenges in a humble way, a royal expert has said.
The monarch’s annual Christmas speech touched on his gratitude towards the medical workers who helped him after his cancer diagnosis.
The speech was filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, formerly the Middlesex Hospital Chapel, in a nod to those who supported him.
He spoke of his and Kate’s cancer and celebrated health heroes who had “supported me and other members of my Family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness”.
Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said it was Charles’ style not to dwell too long on personal issues – he’d rather heap praise on others.
He said: “He mentioned it. He talked about the anxieties he talked about the uncertainties, but he didn’t overemphasise that in any way.
“I mean, Christmas Day is meant to be a happy day. We’re meant to be positive we’re meant to be looking forward. I think he got it just right.”
Mr Vickers added: “He didn’t specifically talk about the actual nature of illness and things like that at all he talked about, you know the anxieties and the uncertainties, and I think that covered the point very effectively.
“I think the main thing to be quite honest was wasn’t it nice to be able to see him there, you know, looking positive.”
The King also alluded to the riots over the summer as he described the pride felt in the UK as communities came together in response to “anger and lawlessness in several towns this Summer”.
Mr Vickers said: “That was one of his big missions as Prince of Wales, and so I think that, you know, let’s face it, apart from the illnesses of this year, the world has been in turmoil.
“Britain has had some very unpleasant happenings in it, and I think that without overstressing it, he recognised these things.
The King also emphasised the power of “repairing” and “listening” which Mr Vickers believes transmits a “very positive message” and one of “hope”.
He added: “On Christmas Day people will pause in the middle of their celebrations to watch him.
“They’ll want to get a positive message and I think they’ll come away with one.”
Mr Vickers noticed the mentioning of the South Pacific tip to be rather poignant.
He said: “Earlier in the year he wouldn’t have been able to do that, and he was able to go to Australia and Samoa, and he is, of course, head of the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth is terribly important.
“It’s a family of nations that comes together voluntarily, and has many, many good and positive features, including getting kids together to compete in sport, which means to say that children come from all over the world, and they get together, they travel, perhaps for the first time they meet each other.
“It’s a fantastic organisation, and I think that of course, him going to Australia and then on to Samoa for the heads of government commonwealth heads of government meeting was a very significant step in his in his recovery, actually.
All in all, Mr Vickers believed “the King got the balance absolutely right.
“His first broadcast, inevitably reflected on him becoming King and the death of the Queen, and so forth.
“And so, you know, it’s not always possible to give a fantastically optimistic and exciting message you have to reflect on the difficult times that has been has taken place in the course of the year.
“And, as I say, let’s just hope that 2025 will be brighter for him, his family, and for everybody else.
THE KING’S CHRISTMAS BROADCAST 2024
Earlier this year, as we commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, The Queen and I had the enormous privilege of meeting, once again, the remarkable veterans of that very special generation who gave of themselves so courageously, on behalf of us all. Listening to these once-young Service men and women touched us deeply as they spoke of their comrades, drawn from across the Commonwealth, who
never returned and who now rest peacefully where they made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their example of service and selflessness continues to inspire, across the
generations. During previous commemorations we were able to console ourselves with the thought that these tragic events seldom happen in the modern era. But, on this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods.
We also think of the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to bring vital relief. After all, the Gospels speak so vividly of conflict and teach the values with which we can overcome it. The example that Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives and so bring hope where
there is despair.
As the famous Christmas Carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ reminds us, ‘Our Saviour holy’ ‘came down to Earth from Heaven’, lived among ‘the poor and mean and lowly’ and transformed the lives of those he met, through God’s ‘redeeming love’. That is the heart of the Nativity Story and we can hear its beat in the belief of all the great Faiths in the love and mercy of God in times of joy and of suffering, calling us to bring light where there is darkness.
All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another – and draw support from each other, be we people of Faith or of none – is a measure of our civilisation as Nations. This is what continually impresses me, as my Family and I meet with, and listen to, those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
I am speaking to you today from the Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London – now itself a vibrant Community space – and thinking especially of the many thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills and out of the goodness of their heart, care for others – often at some cost to themselves.
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. I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.
On our recent visit to the South Pacific to attend the Commonwealth Summit, I was reminded constantly of the strength which institutions, as well as individuals, can draw from one another. And of how diversity of culture, ethnicity and Faith provides strength, not weakness. Across the Commonwealth, we are held together by a willingness to listen to each other, to learn from one another and to find just how much we have in common. Because, through listening, we learn to respect our
differences, to defeat prejudice, and to open up new possibilities.
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. To repair not just buildings, but relationships. And, most importantly, to repair trust; by listening and, through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all.
Again, listening is a recurrent theme of the Nativity Story. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, listened to the Angel who revealed to her a different future full of hope for all people.
The message of the Angels to the shepherds – that there should be peace on Earth – in fact echoes through all Faiths and philosophies. It rings true to this day for people of goodwill across the world. And so it is with this in mind that I wish you, and all those you love, a most joyful and peaceful Christmas.