In his first-ever Christmas day message because the British monarch, King Charles III is about to pay tribute to his late mom Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy. In a picture launched by Buckingham Palace, King Charles is seen subsequent to a Christmas tree at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Fortress whereas recording the message that will likely be broadcast on Sunday night.
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To launch the Christmas message is a long-standing royal custom throughout which the monarch addresses individuals throughout the UK and the Commonwealth. It can additionally mark the primary televised annual royal Christmas day broadcast to not be introduced by the late Queen, who appeared within the first televised message in 1957.
The selection of St. George’s Chapel as the placement additionally marks a change of scene from the messages recorded by Queen Elizabeth II, who would historically be seated and surrounded by photographs of her household in a palace room. It’s within the George VI Memorial Chapel of the royal chapel that Queen Elizabeth II was laid to relaxation alongside along with her husband Prince Philip following the monarch’s state funeral in September.
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Buckingham Palace additionally stated that the Christmas tree this yr will likely be plastic-free with recyclable decorations and preparations of holly and ivy. Following the recording of King Charles’ festive deal with, the Christmas tree will likely be re-used by St. George’s Chapel within the Dean’s Cloister for guests to get pleasure from, the palace stated.
Buckingham Palace additionally knowledgeable that this yr’s Christmas carol and the Nationwide Anthem will likely be carried out by the choir of St. George’s Chapel. In the meantime, King Charles III is staying at Sandringham, on his Norfolk royal property, the place he will likely be joined by different members of British royal household to rejoice Christmas as has been the royal custom.
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In 2021, Queen Elizabeth II in her final message mirrored on a yr of non-public grief of “one acquainted chuckle lacking”, with regards to the loss of life of her husband Prince Philip.
“Though it is a time of nice happiness and good cheer for a lot of, Christmas may be arduous for many who have misplaced family members. This yr, particularly, I perceive why,” the monarch had stated.