In his annual Christmas Day address to the nation and Commonwealth, King Charles III delivered a powerful message centred on courage, community, and the enduring power of hope. The 2025 broadcast, his fourth since ascending the throne in September 2022, was recorded at Westminster Abbey and wove together reflections on historical sacrifice with praise for contemporary heroes.
A Message Anchored in Pilgrimage and Reflection
The King chose the historic setting of Westminster Abbey, a site of pilgrimage for centuries, to reflect on the theme of life as a journey. He connected this to his recent state visit to the Vatican with Queen Camilla, where they prayed with Pope Leo and marked the 'Pilgrims of Hope' Jubilee. Charles described pilgrimage as "journeying forward, into the future, while also journeying back to remember the past and learn from its lessons."
He explicitly linked this to the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day celebrated in the summer, honouring the "courage and sacrifice" of a generation whose numbers are dwindling. The monarch emphasised that the communal spirit shown during the Second World War carries a timeless message, especially amidst modern divisions.
Honouring Modern Acts of Bravery
Striking a poignant contemporary note, King Charles praised the "spontaneous bravery" of individuals during recent tragedies. He specifically referenced those who put themselves "in harm’s way to defend others" during the Bondi Beach shootings and the Manchester synagogue attack.
He placed these acts alongside the service of military veterans and humanitarian workers in conflict zones, presenting them all as modern examples of the values he cherishes. The King argued that in a world spinning "ever faster," there is a profound need to pause, quieten our minds, and find strength in community and shared faith.
A Timeless Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation
Drawing on the Christmas story, Charles highlighted the journeys of the Holy Family, the Wise Men, and the shepherds. He noted that each relied on the "companionship and kindness of others," a model he urged the public to follow. The speech concluded by returning to the core message of Christmas: a prayer for peace on Earth.
The King stated that the call for peace and reconciliation—the principle of "doing to others as we would have them do to us"—that rang out over Bethlehem two millennia ago, "still reverberates from there and around the world today." He framed this as a vital prayer for current times, before wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas with his "whole heart."
