In a significant departure from tradition, King Charles III has chosen the historic Lady Chapel within Westminster Abbey as the setting for his 2025 Christmas broadcast to the nation and the Commonwealth.
A Setting Steeped in History and Family
The King recorded the message, which will be broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, surrounded by profound personal and national history. This marks only the second time in his reign that he has recorded the annual address away from Buckingham Palace, a move royal sources say is intended to foster a stronger sense of community.
Observers noted a particularly affectionate detail in the backdrop. The Christmas trees visible behind the monarch are the same ones used at the Princess of Wales's Together at Christmas carol concert, which was held at the Abbey earlier in December. This repurposing is seen as a subtle but meaningful nod to his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Westminster Abbey holds immense significance for the Royal Family. It is where the Prince and Princess of Wales married in 2011 and has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs since 1066. The Abbey, and specifically the shrine of Edward the Confessor, remains a major pilgrimage site—a theme expected to be central to the King's message.
Anticipated Themes: Community, Commonwealth, and Commemoration
While the speech's full contents are under wraps until broadcast, reports indicate King Charles will reiterate his core principles, often called the "four Cs"—Climate, Community, Culture, and Commonwealth. Following his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, a fifth 'C', relating to his health-focused patronages and duties, was integrated into his working model.
The lifelong environmentalist is anticipated to speak on the urgent need to protect the natural world. He is also likely to reflect on major commemorative events from the past year, including the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day in May and August 2025.
In a landmark gesture for interfaith relations, the King is expected to reference his historic October visit to the Vatican, where he became the first British sovereign in nearly 500 years to worship alongside the Pope. His address, however, is not predicted to detail his ongoing health journey, despite his recent announcement that his cancer treatment schedule will be reduced in the New Year.
Family Gatherings and Notable Absences
On Christmas Day, the King and Queen will lead the working royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, Charlotte, and Louis, to the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate before hosting lunch.
This year's festivities will see continued notable absences. The King's brother, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson For another year, Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be absent, believed to be celebrating in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
