LONDON (CNN) – King Charles III praised the efforts of healthcare workers and all those who support others in his Christmas message, offering “strength, care and comfort” to himself and the Prince of Wales during his cancer treatment. He praised the medical staff who provided this. .
In his third Christmas speech, the 76-year-old British monarch said: “We all experience some form of suffering at some stage in our lives, whether it’s mental or physical.”
The video shows the King and his wife Queen Camilla visiting, saying: “Whether we are of faith or of no faith, we appreciate how much we support each other and the support we receive from each other. “The measure of our civilization as a nation is whether we can bring out the best in it.” He returned to public service following his diagnosis and was admitted to a cancer treatment center in London in April.
A video released in October shows the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, as the King met with the royal family and spoke about listening to people who “dedicate their lives to helping others.” The princess was shown talking to emergency responders who received the emergency call. A stabbing incident occurred in Southport, northwest England, in the summer.
In a message filmed in the chapel of a former hospital in central London, King Charles said: “I am especially thinking of the thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the UK and across the Commonwealth, who have built on their skills and goodwill. It’s active,” he said. Their hearts care for others, sometimes at the expense of themselves. ”
The annual festival broadcast is usually recorded at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. But this year, the British monarch chose an external location with ties to the medical community to reflect the theme of her message.
Prince Charles’ decision marks the first time in more than a decade that a speech has not been filmed on royal grounds. The last message recorded outside the Royal Palace was recorded by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Southwark Cathedral in 2006.
The king expressed his gratitude to the medical team who helped him and his family this year.
“From a personal perspective, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and my family this year through the uncertainty and fear of illness, giving us strength, care, and comfort. “It was necessary,” he said.
“We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has sent us their warmest sympathies and words of encouragement.”
King Charles revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in February and has begun treatment in London. A palace official told CNN last week that “treatment is progressing in a good direction” and “it will continue into next year.” In September, six months after announcing her cancer diagnosis, Duchess Kate announced that she would complete chemotherapy and make a gradual return to royal duties.
Amid the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, the King said: “This Christmas Day, we wish to honor those who are threatened daily by the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and the rest of the world.” I can’t stop thinking about it,” he said. To the lives and livelihoods of so many people. ”
He also spoke of “humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to bring critical relief,” and pointed to the Gospels, which “vividly tell the story of conflict and teach the values to overcome it.”
King Charles and Camilla are holidaying in Sandringham, in rural Norfolk, about 160 miles north of London, and will have 45 family members together for Christmas.
Early Wednesday morning, the Windsors attended a traditional Christmas service on the grounds. Many royal fans, including some wearing Christmas hats, waited for hours to watch Prince Charles, the princess and their children join King Charles and Camilla as they strolled to St. Mary Magdalene Church. .
One member of the royal family who did not attend the family’s Christmas gathering at a private estate in Norfolk this year was Prince Andrew, who has made headlines again in recent weeks for his links to a suspected Chinese spy. According to multiple British media reports, the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, were scheduled to spend the day together at their home at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
In his congratulatory message, the King reflected on his visit to Samoa in October, where he attended a federal government summit. This was his first time as head of the organization. During the biennial summit, the UK faced new demands from some member states to pay reparations for its historical role in slavery.
“Across the Commonwealth, we are united by our willingness to listen to each other, learn from each other and find out how much we have in common,” Charles said. “Because by listening, we can respect each other’s differences, break down prejudices, and open up new possibilities.”
In the UK, communities are rallying together in response to violent riots in July after a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport left three girls dead and 10 injured. praised. He expressed “deep pride” in how people came together “to repair rather than repeat these acts.”
“We need to repair not just buildings, but also relationships. And most importantly, we need to repair trust.” “By listening and understanding, we decide how to act for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
The broadcast ended with a performance of “Once in Royal David’s City” sung by London-based youth choir Inner Voice, and was overlaid with a video showing highlights of the royal’s royal duties over the past 12 months. .
The monarch’s speech is a 90-year-old tradition. The first Christmas message was broadcast on the radio by King George V in 1932. It wasn’t broadcast on television until Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and is now a staple for many Britons, and one of the most-watched shows on Christmas Day.
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