King Charles praised the “selfless army” of volunteers serving communities across the country in his second Christmas broadcast.
Describing community stalwarts as the “essential backbone of our society” he said he was delighted to have them attend his coronation in May, noting that they embodied the meaning of the ceremony – “ a call to us all to serve one another”.
The King also reminded us that one of the central tenets of Christianity – treat all like you want to be treated – was more apt than ever, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He said: “And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other. The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’.”
Christianity is a central theme throughout this year’s message, which the King wrote himself, as he highlights the need to support those less fortunate than ourselves.
But for the second year in a row he also recognised other faiths, describing how “great religions of the world” celebrated festivals with a special meal, and how it was the responsibility of “people of all faiths and of none” to care for the natural world.
Charles delivered his pre-recorded message standing up in Buckingham Palace’s centre room which opens onto the famous balcony overlooking The Mall. The Queen Victoria Memorial could be seen in the background.
Speaking to the nation and Commonwealth, he said: “Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another – going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.
“My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people – volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction – were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year. They are an essential backbone of our society.”
Footage was shown of seated coronation guests, the King processing through the abbey after his crowning, and finally appearing on the palace’s balcony with the Queen as they acknowledged the crowds with a wave.
Charles added: “Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasised the meaning of coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.”
Several clips of the Royal Family attending engagements this year were then shown, including the Prince and Princess of Wales helping out during the coronation weekend. The family of five helped the 3rd Upton Scout Group in Slough renovate their hut and grounds, which marked Prince Louis’s first official royal engagement
As the films were shown, Charles said: “Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.”
Charles featured in another clip planting a tree with 10-year-old environmental activist Karen Kimani in Nairobi during his recent state visit to Kenya, and meeting litter pickers on a beach in Mombasa.
The King said: “To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children.”
In a more subtle nod to his green credentials, the tree in the background of his broadcast is a “living” Christmas tree. The potted tree will be replanted and reused next year.
The broadcast, produced this year by ITN, began with military musicians from the Household Division Symphonic Brass playing the National Anthem from a balcony overlooking Buckingham Palace’s quadrangle, and ended with the Bexley Music Primary Choir performing the carol While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.
Highlights from the royal year were screened showing the King and Queen, Princess Royal and Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attending events.
William and Kate and their family were pictured arriving for the princess’s Westminster Abbey carol concert, and the footage ended with the King’s final coronation day appearance on the palace balcony.
