KING'S MESSAGE OF UNITY AND HOPE AT XMAS

THE King's Christmas speech will call for togetherness and hope as he delivers it from a former hospital chapel.

- Emily Ferguson

Amid his ongoing cancer battle, Charles, 76, ditched tradition and instead of filming the annual address to the nation at a royal estate he recorded the broadcast at the Fitzrovia Chapel, which was once part of the now-demolished Middlesex Hospital.

The Grade II-listed London chapel had acted as a place of solace for patients, medical staff and the general public for more than 100 years and this latest use reinforces the theme of health within the monarch's message.

It is understood his speech will reflect on international, national and personal challenges and how they can be overcome by communities supporting one another.

The King will focus his self-written message on the efforts of healthcare workers and hail community cohesion in the wake of riots following the Southport stabbings. He will also reflect on a year that saw both himself and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, diagnosed with cancer.

An insider said: "The King is extremely keen to pass on thanks to those people that work so hard to heal divisions in society and health workers like those who have helped his own family after an extremely difficult year." Charles will continue his treatment into the New Year but Palace officials are optimistic that his prognosis is heading in a "very positive direction", with a full schedule of engagements and overseas trips planned for 2025.

Kate, 42, has completed her course of chemotherapy.

Sustainable

She is expected to continue her gradual return to royal duties.