King Charles has urged the public to embrace kindness, compassion and hope during “times of uncertainty” in his 2025 Christmas message, delivered this year from Westminster Abbey.
Reflecting on the theme of pilgrimage, the monarch drew parallels between the journey of the holy family, the shepherds and the wise men, and the challenges faced by society today. “In each case,” he said, “they journeyed with others; and relied on the companionship and kindness of others. Through physical and mental challenge, they found an inner strength.”
The King also encouraged people to take a step back from technology. “I would urge us all, at times, to switch off from our phones and devices, to allow our souls to renew,” he said.
Highlighting the resilience and bravery of ordinary people, King Charles referenced recent acts of courage, including the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack and his visit to the scene of the Manchester synagogue attack. “This year, I have heard so many examples of this, both here and abroad,” he said.
“Stories of the triumph of courage over adversity give me hope,” the King added. He praised military veterans, humanitarian workers in conflict zones, and individuals and communities who “display spontaneous bravery, instinctively placing themselves in harm’s way to defend others.”
He concluded by reflecting on shared values across faiths and communities: “As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common; a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life. If we can find time in our journey through life to think on these virtues we can all make the future more hopeful.”
The annual broadcast, which can be viewed online at 3pm on Christmas Day, is a rare personal address by the King delivered without consultation with government, continuing a long tradition begun by King George V in 1932 and televised from 1958 under Queen Elizabeth II.
