A new king’s Christmas pledge to his subjects

In 1937, King George VI made his first broadcast on Christmas Day.

King George VI unexpectedly ascended to the throne in December 1936 after his elder brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated after less than a year as monarch. Given his shock and all of the upheaval, George VI did not make a Christmas broadcast in 1936. 

George was anxious about the broadcast as public speaking made him nervous and he had worked hard to overcome a stammer. He braved his nervousness though, and spoke with his subjects. 

He opened his first ever Christmas broadcast by acknowledging the loss of his father, King George V, who had died in January 1936. King George VI said ”Many of you will remember the Christmas broadcasts of former years, when my father spoke to his peoples at home and overseas as the revered head of a great family. His words brought happiness into the homes and into the hearts of listeners all over the world. I cannot aspire to take his place — nor do I think that you would wish me to…”

The new king also used his first Christmas address to pledge his commitment to his subjects. George VI said ”as this is the first Christmas since our Coronation, the Queen and I feel that we want to send to you all a further word of gratitude for the love and loyalty you gave us from every quarter of the Empire during this unforgettable year now drawing to its end.  We have promised to try and be worthy of your trust, and this a pledge that we shall always keep.”

The speech, only the fifth delivered, was a success and helped cement the Christmas broadcast as part of annual festive traditions.