King Charles III and various members of the royal family, excluding his disgraced brother, former Prince Andrew, celebrated Christmas at the king’s private Sandringham Estate, a long-standing tradition for the family. In his annual Christmas speech, broadcast throughout the U.K. and the Commonwealth, Charles emphasized the significance of unity and diversity in society.
On Christmas morning, the king, alongside Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, led their family on a walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church for the Christmas service in Norfolk. Attendees included the royal couple’s children and extended relatives, who stopped to greet the public gathered outside the church.
Former Prince Andrew was notably absent from this year’s holiday gathering, continuing a trend from the previous year amidst ongoing controversy surrounding his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Last October, he was stripped of his titles and honors, now being referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In his address, which was pre-recorded earlier in the month at Westminster Abbey, Charles shared hopeful sentiments during a time marked by division. He reflected on the commonality among different faiths, expressing a “shared longing for peace” and a call to maintain core values despite challenges. “With the great diversity of our communities, we can find the strength to ensure that right triumphs over wrong,” the king remarked.
The speech was accompanied by a video featuring family moments, including footage from Charles’ significant visit to the Vatican, where he engaged in a prayer with Pope Leo XIV aimed at fostering better relations between the Church of England and Catholic Church.
This year’s Christmas address marked the fourth since Charles ascended the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. It also came shortly after a personal address where he spoke about positive developments in his cancer treatment, revealing that he could reduce upcoming treatment measures.
The royal festivities included a performance by a Ukrainian choir alongside London’s Royal Opera Chorus, signifying solidarity with Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. Last year, Charles had paid tribute to healthcare workers and thanked the medical professionals who cared for him following his cancer diagnosis.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, also shared her journey after undergoing treatment for cancer last year, announcing her remission in January. The couple has three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who continue to be a focal point of the royal family amid the challenges they face.
The Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year underscored familial bonds and community spirit during a season traditionally filled with joy and reflection.