King Charles delivered a poignant tribute to healthcare workers in his Christmas message, acknowledging the medical challenges faced by the Royal Family throughout 2024.
In his address, the King expressed his profound gratitude to medical professionals who supported him and his family members during their health struggles this year.
The King said: “From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my Family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.”
The King’s Christmas message was filmed in the historic Fitzrovia Chapel in London, marking the first time since 2006 that the sovereign’s festive address has been recorded outside a royal residence.
King Charles delivered a poignant tribute to healthcare workers in his Christmas message, acknowledging the medical challenges faced by the Royal Family throughout 2024.
PA
The chapel, a stunning example of Byzantine-inspired architecture, stands in the heart of central London.
As the former Chapel of the Middlesex Hospital, the location carried special significance, reflecting the King’s tribute to healthcare workers.
The Fitzrovia Chapel continues to serve as a place of sanctuary and welcomes visitors of all beliefs as a registered charity.
The last time the Christmas message was filmed outside a royal residence was at Southwark Cathedral in 2006.
The last time the Christmas message was filmed outside a royal residence was at Southwark Cathedral in 2006.
PA
The Royal Family faced multiple health challenges throughout 2024, beginning with King Charles’s cancer diagnosis in February.
The King briefly stepped back from public duties before returning to royal engagements in late April.
In March, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis, completing her treatment in September.
Princess Anne spent five days in hospital in June after suffering a head injury from a horse, though she made a swift recovery.
Queen Camilla also battled pneumonia in the latter months of 2024, forcing her to withdraw from Remembrance events in November while she recovered.
You can read and watch the King’s Christmas broadcast in full here.
The musical elements of the broadcast featured performances from two prestigious ensembles.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards performed the National Anthem, conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Halliday, Commanding Officer of The Band of the Household Division.
In his address, the King expressed his profound gratitude to medical professionals who supported him and his family members during their health struggles this year.
PA
The Inner Voices Choir, conducted by Edward Watkins, delivered a rendition of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.
Soloist Bailei Marshall-Gray sang the first verse of the carol.
The fourth verse featured a descant performed by Imogen Garrett.
The band’s performance was recorded in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace, which overlooks the palace gardens.