King Charles praises lifesavers in his Christmas speech

King Charles praises lifesavers in his Christmas speech

London – King Charles III used his Christmas address to recognize the efforts of health workers and those who help others. He praised the medical staff who provided "strength, care and comfort" during his and the Princess of Wales' cancer battle.

Attention to human support

In his third Christmas address, the 76-year-old British monarch spoke about how "we all experience some form of suffering at some point in our lives, be it mental or physical." He emphasized: “The extent to which we support and provide assistance to one another – whether people of faith or not – is a measure of our civilization as nations.” Meanwhile, video footage showed a visit by the King and his wife, Queen Camilla, a cancer treatment center in London, which they had visited in April when he returned to the public eye following his own diagnosis.

Appreciation of the helpers

As the king spoke about the royal family meeting and listening to people who "dedicate their lives to supporting others," William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, were seen in a video from October, how they talk to emergency responders, called out after the fatal stabbings in Southport, north west England, over the summer.

A personal thank you

King Charles, whose message was recorded in a former hospital chapel in central London, expressed his thoughts for the "many thousands of professionals and volunteers across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth who use their skills and the kindness of their hearts to care for others - often at personal cost."

This year's celebratory speech was traditionally recorded at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. This year, however, the British monarch chose an external location with ties to the medical community to reflect the themes of his message. This marked the first time in over a decade that the speech was not filmed at the royal estate. The last message recorded outside a royal residence was in 2006, when the late Queen Elizabeth II recorded her message at Southwark Cathedral.

Words of gratitude and hope

The King expressed his gratitude to the medical teams who have helped him and his family this year. “From a personal perspective, I thank the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and other members of my family this year through the uncertainties and fears of the disease, giving us the strength, care and comfort we needed,” he said. “I am also deeply grateful for all of those who have offered us their own kind words of compassion and encouragement.”

King Charles revealed in February, that he was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment in London. A Palace official told CNN last week that his "treatment is making positive progress" and "will continue next year." Kate explained in September that she had completed chemotherapy, six months after sharing her cancer, and that she would gradually return to her public duties.

A look at the world situation

In light of the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, the King noted: “On this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating impact of conflicts in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and elsewhere poses a daily threat to so many lives and livelihoods.” He also spoke of “the humanitarian organizations that work tirelessly to provide needed assistance” and pointed to the Gospels, which “speak so vividly of conflict and teach the values ​​with which we can overcome it.”

King Charles and Camilla are spending the holiday at Sandringham, an estate in rural Norfolk, about 100 miles north of London, where 45 family members are expected to attend Christmas Day. On Wednesday morning, the Windsors attended the traditional Christmas service at the property. Many royal fans, some wearing Santa hats, waited for hours to watch as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children walked to St. Mary Magdalene Church along with King Charles and Camilla.

Similar challenges for the royal family

One of the royals who did not attend the family's Christmas gathering at the private Norfolk estate this year was Prince Andrew, who has been absent in recent weeks because of his Ties to a suspected Chinese spy hit the headlines. The Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York are expected to spend the day together at their Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park, several British media outlets report.

The king's Christmas message also reflected his Trip to Samoa in October, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of State meeting - his first in this role. During the two-year summit, Britain faced renewed demands some members to pay reparations for its historic role in slavery.

Community and respect

The King said: “Across the Commonwealth we are united by a willingness to listen to one another, to learn from one another and to discover how much we have in common.” “Because by listening we learn to respect our differences, overcome prejudices and open up new possibilities.” In the UK, he praised the community bond afterwards violent unrest, which erupted after the violent attack in July that left three girls dead and 10 injured. He expressed his “deep sense of pride” in how people came together “not to repeat these behaviors, but to heal.”

"To not only repair buildings, but also relationships. And, most importantly, to restore trust; by listening and through understanding deciding how to act for the good of all," he said, as video footage showed the cleanup effort in which residents swept streets and removed bricks.

Tradition of the Christmas speech

The broadcast ended with a performance of “Once in Royal David’s City,” sung by Inner Voices, a London youth choir, with superimposed video showing highlights of the royal family from their engagements over the past year.

The monarch's speech is a tradition that has existed for 90 years. The first Christmas address was broadcast on the radio by King George V in 1932. It was only in 1957 that Elizabeth II's address was first televised, and it has now become a staple for many Brits and one of the most-watched programs on Christmas Day.