King's message calls for reconciliation and healing as 'world seems to spin ever faster'

King Charles has called for reconciliation after a year of deepening division, saying in his Christmas address that people must find strength in the diversity of their communities to ensure right defeats wrong.

- Kevin Rawlinson

The monarch cited the spirit of the second world war generation, which he said came together to take on the challenge that faced them; displaying qualities he said have shaped both the UK and the Commonwealth.

The king said: "The end of the second world war is now remembered by fewer and fewer of us, as the years pass. But the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, and the way communities came together in the face of such great challenge, carry a timeless message for us all.

"These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth. As we hear of division, both at home and abroad, they are the values of which we must never lose sight."

In the wake of the Bondi beach shooting and the Manchester synagogue attack, Charles also praised the "spontaneous bravery" of those who put themselves in "harm's way to defend others".

The king referenced the impact new technologies can have on wellbeing and community cohesion as the world spins "ever faster", suggesting the festive period could be a moment to recharge and for those communities to grow stronger.