King's message of national healing: Charles chooses former hospital chapel for Christmas speech praising health workers and how nation came together after Southport riots
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The King's Christmas message tomorrow has been inspired by the way the UK pulled together after the Southport murders and riots. Charles, 76, will also reflect on a difficult year for his family following two shock cancer diagnoses, as well as others who have suffered in the UK and abroad, particularly the Middle East.
![[The Princess of Wales arrives for the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/21/93440831-14222723-image-a-34_1734989397170.jpg)
The traditional Christmas Day broadcast has also been filmed 'on location' for only the fifth time in 92 years, it can be revealed. It will show His Majesty in the exquisite 'hidden gem' of Fitzrovia Chapel, a former sacred space on the site of the demolished Middlesex Hospital where his late wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, opened London's first dedicated Aids ward.
![[The King's Christmas message has been inspired by the way the UK pulled together after the Southport murders and riots]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/21/93440827-14222723-image-a-35_1734989400661.jpg)
It is part of the King's determination to respect the traditions of his past but bring 'originality, newness and a touch of flair' to the monarch's annual message of hope to the nation, which was started by King George V in 1932. Royal sources have told the Mail that his full message, which will be broadcast to the nation at 3pm on Christmas Day, was inspired by his experience of being diagnosed with cancer in January.
![[The Fitzrovia Chapel in London where King Charles III has presented his Christmas message]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/21/93440841-14222723-image-a-37_1734989408720.jpg)
It is one of the reasons a former hospital chapel was chosen as a means of recognising the 'incredible' dedication and selflessness of healthcare workers. It also reflects the challenges faced by his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, who underwent preventative chemotherapy following major abdominal surgery in January, and has been recuperating for most of the year.
![[The traditional Christmas Day broadcast has also been filmed 'on location' for only the fifth time in 92 years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/21/93440839-14222723-The_traditional_Christmas_Day_broadcast_has_also_been_filmed_on_-a-40_1734991137330.jpg)
