King's message of faith

THE King’s annual Christmas message will highlight the crucial roles that faith and duty have played for him this year.

- BY EMILY FERGUSON Royal Editor

His traditional address to the nation has been filmed at Westminster Abbey, to reflect the key theme of pilgrimage and the monarch’s strong personal devotion to religion.

It marks the second year in a row that Charles, 77, has ditched the tradition of recording his annual speech to the nation at a royal residence or estate.

Last year, he filmed the message at the stunning Fitzrovia Chapel in Central London, a former hospital site, after he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer at the start of 2024.

This time, he is expected to focus on peace and togetherness after the past 12 months brought a healthier year for himself and the princess.

The deeply religious King has chosen to focus his Christmas message on pilgrimage, in a year that saw him become the first reigning monarch in 500 years to publicly pray with the Pope.

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