King Charles has thanked the “selfless doctors and nurses” who supported him and his daughter-in-law, Duchess Kate, after they were diagnosed with cancer.
On Wednesday, the 76-year-old gave his annual Christmas speech. The speech was filmed at Fitzrovia Chapel, the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London.
The broadcast came hours after the king attended a Christmas service at a church in Sandringham. Charles was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, sons Prince William and Duchess Kate, and three grandchildren. Kate, who has gradually returned to public life after completing chemotherapy, was seen hugging a cancer patient after the church service.
Kate Middleton attends King Charles Christmas service after 'brutal' year
Britain's King Charles III smiles while recording a Christmas message at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London on December 11, 2024. This year marks the first time that the King's Christmas message has been filmed outside the royal residence since 2006. At Southwark Cathedral. (Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
“I am speaking to you today from the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, which is now a vibrant community space, but I am particularly speaking to thousands of professionals here in the UK and across the Commonwealth. They use their skills to care for their homes and their volunteers. And out of the goodness of their hearts, they sacrifice themselves to care for others,” Charles said.
“From a personal perspective, I would like to thank the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and my family this year through the uncertainty and fear of the disease and who have given us strength, care and comfort. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. I needed it,” he said. “I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has sent me their warmest sympathies and words of encouragement.”
Charles also spoke about the importance of compassion during difficult times.
“We all experience some form of suffering at some stage in our lives, whether it's mental or physical,” he said. “The extent to which we help each other and the extent to which we draw support from each other, whether of faith or non-faith, is a measure of our civilization as a nation. This is what always impresses me every time I meet and listen to people who dedicate their lives to helping others.
The King also reflected on ongoing global conflicts and those directly affected by war.
“On this Christmas Day, we cannot fail to think of those whose lives and livelihoods are threatened every day by the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and beyond. I can’t stay,” Charles said. .
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Kate, Duchess of Wales, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles attend Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2024. (Samir Hussain/WireImage/Getty Images)
“We are also thinking of the humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to bring critical relief,” he said. “After all, the Gospels vividly speak about conflict and teach us values that enable us to overcome it. The example Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. Those who suffer to bring hope where there is despair, because there is life.”
See: King Charles gave Prince William the following warning about marriage: Author
Charles also spoke about the violent riots the UK faced earlier this year and the mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. Three children lost their lives in the attack.
“I felt a deep sense of pride here in the UK when, in response to the outrage and injustice that took place in several towns this summer, communities came together to try to prevent and repair these acts,” Charles said. said. “It's about repairing relationships, not just buildings. And most importantly, it's about repairing trust. How to act for the benefit of everyone by listening and understanding.” is to decide.”
“From a personal perspective, I would like to thank the selfless doctors and nurses who have supported me and my family this year through the uncertainty and fear of the disease and who have given us strength, care and comfort. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you.
In September, the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy treatment. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
“The message of the angels to the shepherds that there should be peace on earth actually resonates across all faiths and philosophies,” Charles said. “That remains true today for people of goodwill around the world.
“And with this in mind, I wish you and everyone you love a most joyful and peaceful Christmas,” he concluded.
The King's Christmas speech will be his third since taking the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, but his first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February.
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Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest reigning monarch, died in 2022. He passed away at the age of 96. (Max Manby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The monarch's holiday message is being watched by millions in the UK and across the Commonwealth, with many households timing their Christmas lunches.
The king's treatment is believed to be continuing, and he has been forced to withdraw from public life for two months. He has gradually returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits during a tour of Australia and the South Pacific in October.
A few weeks after Charles started treatment, the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis, which kept her absent for much of the year.
On December 6, 2024, Prince Louis and his mother, Duchess Kate, attended the carol service “Together At Christmas” at Westminster Abbey in London. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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In September, Kate, 42, announced in a heartfelt video that she had finished her chemotherapy treatment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
