King Charles III has left his royal residences behind and chosen an historic chapel to deliver his annual Christmas message.
The King has recorded his address in the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London.
This third Christmas speech of his reign is the first filmed outside a royal residence and the first time since 2006 that the festive address hasn’t been delivered at one of the Royal Family’s official homes.
His Majesty has chosen the of Byzantine-inspired chapel in Westminster as the setting for his speech. It used to be the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital. It is now a space for reflection and contemplation. It also hosts art exhibitions.
The chapel has several family links for His Majesty. In 1928, his grandfather, King George VI, laid the foundation stone for the new building. George VI’s uncle, and King Charles III’s great, great uncle, Prince Francis of Teck, is also remembered there with an ornate memorial.
The King has followed his own Christmas tradition and made sure the tree in his speech is decorated with sustainable decorations. This year they include pinecones, metal bells, twisted glass and glass baubles.
The Christmas tree was donated, after filming, to Croydon BME Forum and Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Can You C Me?’ project. It now sits in the Royal Trinity Hospital in Clapham, of which Queen Camilla is patron.
The King’s Christmas speech, produced this year by Sky, will be shown on all main TV networks at 3pm on Christmas Day.
