King Charles III (74) remembered Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), who died in September, in his first Christmas speech. Charles had recorded his speech at St George's Chapel in Windsor. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip (1921-2021), who died in April 2021, are buried there.

He stands here in this chapel at Windsor Castle, "so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, was buried with my dear father," Charles said in his speech. "Remembering the deeply touching letters, cards and messages so many of you have sent to my wife and I, I cannot thank you enough for the love and concern you have shown to our entire family."

He added, "Christmas is an especially poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones." Their absence is felt at all times and "remembered in every cherished tradition," said the king. He also spoke about his mother's deep faith and her faith "in people, which I share with all my heart". It is the belief "in the extraordinary ability of every human being to touch the lives of others with kindness and compassion". This is "the core of our community and the foundation of our society".

King Charles' Christmas speech was broadcast on December 25th. The speech has a long tradition. The Queen appeared in her first televised message for the festival in 1957. The tradition of the royal Christmas speech began in 1932 with a radio broadcast by King George V (1865-1936).

The Royals spend Christmas in Sandringham for the first time in three years after the Corona forced break. The royal family last met at the Norfolk estate in 2019 for their traditional Christmas celebration. Now Charles and Co. are celebrating there for the first time without Prince Philip and the Queen. On Sunday, the royals showed up to the public while walking to the service.