King Charles issued a plea for “peace on Earth” in the face of “tragic conflict” during his second Christmas broadcast.
He also praised the “selfless army” of volunteers serving communities, highlighted his green message and paid tribute to hard-working members of the Firm as he delivered his speech to the nation and the Commonwealth.
Charles reflected on wars overseas, notably in Ukraine and the fighting in Israel and Gaza, as he urged people to treat others how you would want to be treated.
He said: “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’.”
Throughout the pre-recorded message the King referenced his Coronation, and began by saying he was delighted to have community stalwarts attend, noting that they embodied the meaning of the ceremony – “a call to us all to serve one another”.
Speaking from the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, overlooking the balcony from which he and Queen Camilla greeted the crowds in The Mall at the Coronation and Trooping the Colour, 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. 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 appearing on the balcony with the Queen as they acknowledged the crowds with a wave.
Several clips of the Royal Family attending engagements this year were shown, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children helping out during the Coronation weekend.
Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also featured. Highlighting the cost crisis and acknowledging the work carried out by the royals, he 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.”
The King then turned to the environment. Footage from his recent visit to Kenya saw him plant a tree with 10-year-old environmental activist Karen Kimani in Nairobi and meeting litter pickers on a beach in Mombasa.
Charles, who stood in front of a “living” Christmas tree that will be replanted and reused next year, 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.”
