“Christmas is a particularly painful time for anyone who has lost loved ones,” Charles said in his first Christmas address as monarch. In it he reflected, among other things, on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and also thanked the British people for the support he later received from her family. The message was broadcast on Christmas Day at 4pm Dutch time by the BBC.
“I am standing here in the beautiful St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, so close to where my mother, the Queen, rests beside my beloved father,” the King began. “He reminds me of the incredibly beautiful letters, cards, and messages so many of you have sent to my wife and me.” Charles cannot “thank everyone enough” for the “love and sympathy” they have shown his family.
In the “beloved story, O little city of Bethlehem”, according to him, it is sung how “the eternal light” shines in the “dark streets”. “My mother’s faith in the power of that light was an important part of her faith in God. But so was her faith in people.” As he said these words, the broadcast showed footage of his mother meeting people and shaking hands.
Fear and deprivation
The king then stressed the importance of thinking of others. “This is the essence of our community and the foundation of our society.” Images of teachers, police officers, firefighters and doctors, among others, were then shown. This is a “time of fear and difficulty” for some, such as those living in war, suffering from famine or natural disaster, or those “looking for ways to pay the bills and keep their families fed and warm.” But many people are there for their fellow humans, Charles said. “I want to pay special attention to these generous people.”
He not only thanked humanitarian organizations, but also “churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras” which, he said, have “united once again to feed the hungry and provide love and support throughout the year”. Charles spoke of “sincere solidarity”.
Circle
The king believes we can “find hope for the future” by helping each other. “With all my heart I wish you all a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light.”
Charles took over this year from Queen Elizabeth, who died in September at the age of 96. It is the first time in 70 years that a man has given the traditional Christmas speech.
