King Charles' Christmas speech breaks tradition with major move after cancer battle
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The King's traditional Christmas message will be delivered from the formal chapel of a hospital, in a nod to the monarch's cancer hell this year. Millions will tune in on December 25 to hear the message, delivered from the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London - once part of the Middlesex Hospital. The message is the first in more than ten years since the Christmas message was not recorded in a royal home.
The King, who has been fighting cancer this year, is said to have wanted a location to a link with healthcare. The annual address to the nation was filmed almost two weeks ago at the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in Pearson Square, central London, The Telegraph reported.
He wanted to give the annual broadcast a fresher, more modern feel, demonstrating his long-held desire to “reach out into communities rather than bringing them into him”, a royal source said. After a year beset by health woes, both for himself and other members of the royal family, as well as major flashpoints across Britain involving widespread riots, the King is expected to reflect on the key themes of healthcare and the power of community.
The monarch will be expected to discuss the power of togetherness and unity, as well as having various religious references. A palace source said the speech would also “reflect on international, national and personal challenges and how they can be overcome by communities supporting one another”.
The King decided on the location for his third annual speech, which will provoke much interest given its medical history, to give the broadcast a fresh and modern feel, it is understood. Charles was “absolutely enchanted” by its size, its “astonishing beauty” and rich history, it was reported.
