King Charles speech: King offers ‘heartfelt’ thanks to doctors in Christmas speech
Subscribe For Free Morning Headlines Email!
Subscribe To Our Free Morning Headlines Email
Get Our Free Morning Headlines Email!
I would appreciate receiving emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
King Charles has honored the dedicated doctors and nurses who offered vital support and compassion during the cancer treatments he and the Princess of Wales received this year.
During his yearly Christmas Day address, he expressed his sincere appreciation to those who have stood by him and his family. He also thanked members of the public for their supportive messages and comforting words.
The heartfelt compliments align with Charles' transparent attitude towards his illness. He shared his diagnosis publicly in February, hoping to turn his experience into a source of positive change. The specific type of cancer he's battling has not been revealed in order to connect with a broader audience.
In March, his daughter-in-law Kate shared that she was receiving preventive chemotherapy. This came shortly after she had been in the same hospital as the king for abdominal surgery in January.
During his address, filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, a chapel in a former London hospital, Charles, 76, expressed his profound pride in how communities came together in response to the riots that occurred after the tragic stabbings of three young girls in Southport. He highlighted their efforts to rebuild not just structures, but also connections among people.
This follows the royal family's show of solidarity during their traditional holiday stroll at the Sandringham estate, where they interacted with supporters and exchanged Christmas wishes with those who had spent the night there.
Prince William and Kate’s three kids—11-year-old Prince George, 9-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 6-year-old Prince Louis—captured everyone’s attention as they walked hand in hand with their parents, smiling at the onlookers.
The three kids were all wearing identical blue coats, while cheerful Charlotte had a dark green bow in her hair. Kate matched her children as well, donning a green coat and hat for the event.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, were also present at the service. She adjusted her travel arrangements based on medical recommendations related to her pregnancy.
One significant missing presence was Beatrice's father, Prince Andrew. He has faced scrutiny due to connections with an alleged Chinese spy and chose not to attend the family gathering to avoid adding any more embarrassment.
Andrew, 64, had been attending church with his family for the past two years, making a return to public life after facing controversy in 2019 over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, his connection to Yang Tengboo, a businessman prohibited from entering the UK for security concerns, has prompted him to choose to celebrate Christmas Day this year with his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, at their residence in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
In his address, Charles spoke about the "destructive impacts of conflict," highlighting the continuous dangers faced by individuals in the Middle East, central Europe, and Africa. He also honored the contributions of servicemen and women from World War II, as the royal family commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
He also mentioned attending a Commonwealth summit in Samoa in October, where he pointed out that the organization's strength comes from its "variety of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and beliefs." He emphasized how the member countries are willing to listen to one another, which helps individuals "appreciate our differences" and "overcome biases."
The year's most notable moments included the King receiving a warm embrace from a team of female rugby players from New Zealand, the Princess Royal attending an event, glimpses of Kate's yearly carol concert, and enthusiastic crowds welcoming the King and Queen outside the Sydney Opera House during their earlier trip to Australia.
While images of the King interacting with other cancer patients were shared, he remarked: “Everyone experiences some level of suffering at different points in their lives, whether it's emotional or physical. The extent to which we assist each other and rely on one another—regardless of our beliefs—is a reflection of how advanced we are as societies.”
The King's doctors are reportedly happy with how he is doing. His current treatment has minimal effects on his ability to perform his duties, and he has a busy schedule lined up for the first half of 2025.
Kate is on the mend following her chemotherapy last summer and is slowly starting to resume her public responsibilities. She has emphasized that her priority is to remain cancer-free.
Referring to the riots that erupted nationwide following the tragedy in Southport, where mosques and hotels accommodating asylum seekers were attacked, he stated that the country had chosen to "determine its response for the benefit of everyone."
During that period, Charles received daily updates on the situation and was quietly dealing with the problems caused by the surge of violence throughout the nation.
Video footage displayed individuals tidying up the streets and gathering bricks as part of a cleanup effort.
The Sky News broadcast from this year concluded with the Inner Voices choir performing the Christmas carol "Once in Royal David's City."
