King Charles to break tradition with 2024 Christmas speech as he 'films it in hospital chapel'
The king usually records the speech at a royal residenceKing Charles has reportedly broken a royal tradition with his 2024 Christmas speech.
Each year, the monarch delivers a festive speech which is broadcasted on Christmas Day. This year will mark the king’s third speech since he became monarch.
His first Christmas Day speech took place in 2022, a few months after he became king.
However in 2024 he has broken with tradition by filming it in a former hospital chapel, reports claim.
King Charles 2024 Christmas speech
King Charles, 76, reportedly recorded the speech at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London. The chapel once served as the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital.
This is the first time in more than a decade that the royal Christmas speech has been recorded from a place that isn’t in a royal residence.
The king reportedly wanted to film the speech from a location with a healthcare connection.
It’s been a tough year for the king following his cancer diagnosis at the start of 2024. In the speech, it’s said that Charles will reflect on his “extraordinary” year.
The speech, recorded earlier this month, will broadcast on December 25 at 3pm.
The king’s Christmas speech at Fitzrovia Chapel
The Fitzrovia Chapel was built in the courtyard of the Middlesex Hospital. The hospital was demolished in 2008 after closing in 2005.
However, the chapel was retained and restored. It’s now used for community events and concerts and is open to visitors.
This is a very different setting for the king’s Christmas speech. In 2022, just three months after becoming monarch following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the king delivered his speech from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castel – where the queen is buried.
Meanwhile, last year, King Charles’ speech was recorded inside Buckingham Palace.
King Charles’ cancer treatment to continue in 2025
In February of 2024, the palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. The type of cancer he has wasn’t revealed, however.
The king began treatment and that will continue into 2025, reports claim.
Sky News reports that the monarch’s treatment “has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year”.
The insider also said there’s a sense of optimism, which is seen in the king keeping up a busy schedule of engagements.
Amid his treatment, the king is said to be thrilled to be hosting Christmas at Sandringham with more than 40 members of the royal family attending.
It’s thought they’ll attend a church service on Christmas morning, before embarking on their annual public walkabout to greet locals.
As well as the king and queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales will be at Sandringham with their three children.
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