24th December 2024 – (London) King Charles III will deliver his annual Christmas speech from the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in London, marking a significant departure from tradition as he continues his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.
This year’s address comes at the close of a challenging period for the royal family, which has faced multiple health concerns, beginning with the King’s diagnosis of an undisclosed type of cancer in February.
The pre-recorded message, which will be broadcast on Christmas Day, is notable for being the first delivered from outside a royal residence since 2006, when the late Queen Elizabeth II spoke from Southwark Cathedral. The Fitzrovia Chapel, known for its Byzantine architecture, has served as a refuge for hospital staff and patients for nearly a century.
While the King has gradually resumed public duties, he is still undergoing treatment expected to extend into 2025. This year has also seen health challenges for his family, with Princess Catherine announcing in September that she had completed chemotherapy.
The King’s message, recorded in early December, will be aired by Sky News at 1500 GMT on Christmas Day. In previous addresses, he has focused on themes of environmentalism and global peace, reflecting his ongoing commitment to these issues despite personal health struggles.
