King Charles has thanked the “selfless doctors and nurses” who supported him and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton after they were diagnosed with cancer.
The 76-year-old delivered his annual Christmas speech on Wednesday, which was filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, the former chapel of London’s Middlesex Hospital.
The broadcast came hours after the Queen attended a Christmas service at a church in Sandringham. Prince Charles was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, sons Prince William, Princess Kate and his three grandchildren. Kate was seen hugging a cancer patient after the ceremony as she slowly returns to public duties after completing chemotherapy.
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King Charles III of England smiles while recording his Christmas message at Fitzrovia Church in central London on December 11, 2024. . (Aaron Jon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
“I speak to you today from the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London – now a vibrant community space in its own right – and I am thinking particularly of the thousands of professionals and volunteers across the UK and across the Commonwealth people who use their skills out of the goodness of their hearts to care about others—often at some cost to themselves,” Charles said.
“From a personal perspective, I would like to express a special and heartfelt thank you to the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and my other family members this year through the uncertainty and anxiety of the disease and provided us with strength, care and comfort. “I am also deeply grateful to everyone who has expressed sympathy and encouragement to us. “
Charles also spoke about the importance of empathy during difficult times.
“We all experience some form of pain at some point in our lives, whether it’s mental or physical,” he said. “Whether we have faith or not, the degree to which we help and support each other is a measure of our civilization as a nation. This has always impressed me when my family and I meet and listen. Voices from those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.
The King also reflected on current global conflicts and those directly affected by war.
“This Christmas, we cannot help but think of those who are suffering the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and elsewhere, which threatens the lives and livelihoods of so many people every day,” Charles said.
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles attend the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Norfolk. (Samir Hussain/WireImage/Getty Images)
“We also think of humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to provide vital relief,” he said. “After all, the Gospels speak so vividly about conflict and teach us the values of overcoming it. The example Jesus gives us is timeless and universal. That It is to enter the world of those who are suffering and change their lives, thus bringing hope in despair.
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Charles also spoke about the violent riots the UK faced earlier this year, as well as the mass stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. The attack claimed the lives of three children.
Charles said: “I feel a deep sense of pride in Britain this summer as communities come together in response to the anger and lawlessness in several towns, not to repeat the acts but to fix things. “ Not only to repair buildings, but most importantly, to repair trust; by listening and by understanding, deciding how to act for the benefit of all.”
“From a personal perspective, I would like to express a special and heartfelt thank you to the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and my other family members this year through the uncertainty and anxiety of the disease and provided us with strength, care and comfort.
In September, the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
“The angel’s message to the shepherds – that there should be peace on earth – is echoed in fact across all faiths and philosophies,” Charles said. “To this day, it remains a message to people of good will all over the world. fact.
“So it is with this in mind that I wish you and all your loved ones a happiest and most peaceful Christmas,” he concluded.
It is the king’s third Christmas speech since taking the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and the first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February.
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Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022 at the age of 96. (Max Munby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The Queen’s festive message is watched by millions in the UK and across the Commonwealth, and many families plan their Christmas lunches around it.
The king’s treatment is believed to be continuing, forcing him to refrain from public appearances for two months. He has slowly returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits when he visited Australia and the South Pacific in October.
Just weeks after Charles began treatment, the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year.
Prince Louis and his mother Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the “Christmas Together” caroling ceremony at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 in London. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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In September, Kate, 42, announced in a heartfelt video that she had completed chemotherapy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
