King Charles praises those “who dedicate their lives to helping others” in his Christmas address.

London
CNN
—

King Charles III used his Christmas message to recognize the efforts of healthcare workers and all those who work in them Support others and praise the medical staff who provided “strength, care and comfort” during his and the Princess of Wales’ cancer treatment.

In his third Christmas address, the 76-year-old British ruler spoke of how “we all experience some form of suffering at some point in our lives, be it mental or physical.”

“The degree to which we help each other – and receive support from each other, whether we are people of faith or not – is a measure of our civilization as nations,” he added, as footage captured the visit of the ruler and his wife Queen Camilla show He was working at a cancer treatment center in London in April when he returned to public duties following his own diagnosis.

As the king spoke about the royal family meeting and listened to those who “dedicate their lives to helping others,” William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, were seen shouting along in an October video Emergency workers spoke about the fatal knife attacks in Southport, northwest England, over the summer.

King Charles, whose message was filmed in a former hospital chapel in central London, said he was thinking “particularly of the many thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills and from the kindness of her.” heart, caring for others – often at some cost to themselves.”

The annual festive broadcast is usually recorded at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. But this year, the British monarch chose an external venue with ties to the medical community to reflect the themes of his message.

Charles’ decision marked the first time in over a decade that the speech was not filmed at the royal estate. The last message recorded outside a royal residence was in 2006, when the late Queen Elizabeth II recorded her message at Southwark Cathedral.

The King thanked the medical teams who helped him and his family this year.

“From a personal perspective, I would especially like to thank the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and other members of my family this year through the uncertainties and fears of the disease and given me the strength, care and comfort that we have “needed,” he said.

“I am also deeply grateful to all those who have sent us their kind words of compassion and encouragement.”

King Charles announced in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer and began treatment in London. A palace source told CNN last week that his “treatment is moving in a positive direction” and “will continue into next year.” Kate said in September that she had completed chemotherapy six months after sharing her cancer diagnosis and would gradually return to her public duties.

Amid wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, the king said: “On this Christmas Day we must think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and elsewhere pose a daily threat.” the lives and livelihoods of so many people.”

He also spoke of “the humanitarian organizations that work tirelessly to provide vital assistance” and pointed to the Gospels, which “speak so vividly of conflict and teach the values ​​with which we can overcome it.”

King Charles and Camilla are spending the holiday at Sandringham, a country estate in rural Norfolk, about 100 miles north of London, where 45 family members are expected to gather on Christmas Day.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Windsors attended the traditional Christmas service at the estate. Many royal fans, some wearing Santa hats, waited for hours to watch as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children took a stroll to St. Mary Magdalene Church along with King Charles and Camilla.

One of the royals who did not attend the clan’s Christmas gathering at the private Norfolk estate this year was Prince Andrew, who has made headlines again in recent weeks for having links to a suspected Chinese spy. According to several British media reports, the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York were scheduled to spend the day together at their Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park.

In the King’s celebratory message, he recalled his trip to Samoa in October, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – his first as head of the organization. During the biennial summit, Britain was again called on by some members to pay compensation for its historic role in slavery.

“Across the Commonwealth, what holds us together is a willingness to listen to one another, learn from one another and discover how much we have in common,” Charles said. “Because by listening we learn to respect our differences, reduce prejudices and open up new possibilities.”

In the United Kingdom, he also praised community solidarity following violent riots after three girls were killed and 10 injured in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July. He expressed his “deep pride” in how people came together “not to repeat these behaviors, but to repair them.”

“To repair not only buildings but also relationships. And, most importantly, to restore trust; by listening and through understanding deciding how to act for the good of all,” he said, as footage showed the clean-up operation with residents sweeping streets and clearing away bricks.

The broadcast concluded with a rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City,” sung by Inner Voices, a London-based youth choir, with superimposed video showing highlights of the royal family’s conducting engagements over the past 12 months.

The monarch’s speech has a 90-year tradition. The first Christmas message was broadcast on the radio by George V in 1932. It wasn’t until 1957 that it was first broadcast on television and is now a staple for many Brits and one of the most watched shows on Christmas Day.