Thu Dec 25 12:51:55 UTC 2025: News Article:

King Charles III Focuses on Pilgrimage in Christmas Day Speech Amid Cancer Treatment Progress

London – December 25, 2025 – King Charles III delivered his annual Christmas Day address to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth today, focusing on the theme of pilgrimage. This year’s speech comes as the King, 77, is making progress in his treatment for cancer, which he disclosed earlier in 2024.

Earlier in the day, King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children attended Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The pre-recorded address was broadcast at 3 p.m. GMT, a traditional time for families to gather for Christmas lunch. The speech, recorded at Westminster Abbey, a site known for its significance in royal coronations and weddings, as well as an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Edward the Confessor, is a rare opportunity for the King to express his personal views without governmental guidance.

This year’s message comes two weeks after a personal television appearance where Charles announced that “good news” from his doctors would allow him to reduce cancer treatment in the new year. Buckingham Palace has stated that his treatment is moving into a “precautionary phase,” with ongoing monitoring to ensure his continued recovery.

Last year, Charles recorded his Christmas speech at Fitzrovia Chapel, honoring care workers and thanking medical professionals for their support following his diagnosis. Today’s address marks the fourth Christmas speech since King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The annual message is watched by millions across the U.K. and the Commonwealth.

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