king's speech 2022

King's Speech in full: Historic moment for Charles as he delivers speech to nation

King Charles III delivered his first Christmas speech on BBC to the nation today, as the solemn and reflective message address universal themes and tributed Queen Elizabeth II

• 15:10, 25 Dec 2022
• Updated 15:12, 25 Dec 2022

King Charles III delivered his inaugural Christmas speech to the nation today.

It is the first time that the monarch has ever delivered a televised speech on television, as he looked back on the current year and reinstated national values.

At 3pm on Sunday, December 25 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer millions took to their screens to watch the solemn and reflective speech.

The speech was a tribute to his late mother and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed in September this year.

In her final Christmas message, the late Queen spoke of "passing the baton" to the next generation.

The eight-minute message, which was pre-recorded on 13 December at St George's Chapel in Windsor , shed light on the "power of light overcoming darkness".

The pre-recorded message began with Charles reflecting on how he was standing "so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father" in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, and he thanked the public for the "love and sympathy" following her passing.

The monarch also alluded to the turbulent time in the UK, as he spoke of "community and the very foundation of our society" - including the Covid aftermath, politics, the Ukraine war and the ongoing cost of living crisis .

Charles spoke about the "great anxiety and hardship" experienced by many trying to "pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm" during his televised message, which featured footage of a foodbank and other scenes of meals being distributed to the homeless.

The King also took to speak about his own faith and that of others, urging all to unify and "celebrate it together".

Here is King's Christmas broadcast speech in full:

"I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.

"I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.

"Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.

"We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

"In the much-loved carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem we sing of how 'in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light'.

"My mother's belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people and it is one which I share with my whole heart.

"It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them.

"This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.

"We see it in the selfless dedication of our Armed Forces and Emergency Services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently as we mourned the passing of our late Queen.

"We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.

"And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.

"I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organizations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.

"Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras, have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year.

"Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as our self.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light on practical examples of this community spirit.

"Some years ago, I was able to fulfil a life-long wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.

"There, I went down into the Chapel of the Manger and stood in silent reverence by the Silver Star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ's birth.

"It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, 'The light that has come into the world' was born.

"While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief.

"So, whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future.

"Let us therefore celebrate it together, and cherish it always.

"With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light."

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King Charles echoes Queen Elizabeth's words as he gives first Christmas message

King Charles III has delivered his first Christmas message, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, and echoing his late mother's words about grief.

Key points:

• King Charles said Christmas was a "poignant time" for those who have suffered loss
• He said he was deeply touched by public messages of "love and sympathy"
• Video of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Princess Kate, appeared on screen while he spoke

Last Christmas, Queen Elizabeth spoke of her personal pain after losing her husband Prince Philip earlier that year.

In the speech on Sunday, King Charles said Christmas was "a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones".

Queen Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96 and was remembered in a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19.

Thanking those who had sent "deeply touching" messages of condolence to him and the Queen Consort Camilla, he said the Royal Family had been shown "love and sympathy".

He also drew upon the late Queen's "faith in God" and "faith in people," saying he shared it "with my whole heart".

Charles delivered his pre-recorded message standing in St George's Chapel in Windsor, where the Queen and Prince Philip are both buried.

Video footage of the royal family, including Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales, appeared on screen while he spoke.

In a separate pre-recorded message broadcast to the nation as part of a Westminster Abbey carol service, the Princess of Wales said the royal family's first Christmas without the late monarch would "feel very different".

In his message, Charles also paid tribute to public sector and healthcare workers, charities, and religious institutions, praising the latter for their work during the UK's ongoing cost of living crisis.

He ended his speech by referring to a previous visit to Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born, and "the power of light overcoming darkness".

"It is in this life-giving-light and with the true humility that lies in our service to others that I believe we can find hope for the future," Charles said.

"Let us therefore celebrate it together and cherish it always."

His message ended with a rendition of 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' which Charles used to cite the late Queen's "belief in the power of that light," performed by the choir of St George's Chapel.

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Here is the transcript of King Charles III’s inaugural address.

King Charles III honored his mother in his first speech to the nation as sovereign.

• Share full article

• Published Sept. 9, 2022 Updated Sept. 19, 2022

King Charles III delivered his first address as sovereign Friday, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The following is a transcript of his remarks, as released by the palace.

I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow.

Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen — my beloved Mother — was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.

Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than seventy years in which my mother, as queen, served the people of so many nations.

In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life.

She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.

I pay tribute to my Mother’s memory and I honor her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you, and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.

When the queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still coping with the privations and aftermath of the Second World War, and still living by the conventions of earlier times. In the course of the last seventy years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many faiths. The institutions of the State have changed in turn. But, through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Realms — of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud — have prospered and flourished. Our values have remained, and must remain, constant.

The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility toward the Church of England — the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted. In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government.

As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.

My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.

This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my queen consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.

As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given.

I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.

On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.

And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.

May “flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”

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Every word of the King's Speech at Christmas 2022

The king thanked the country for the love shown following his mother's death

• 15:11, 25 DEC 2022

Here is every word King Charles said in his first Christmas message to the nation.

In his first festive address, the king thanked the nation for their sympathy following the death of his mother while also remembering others who may have lost someone close to them.

He praised key workers for their support throughout the year but wanted to give specific thanks to those who have donated their time and efforts to food banks.

READ MORE: Morrisons, Lidl, Iceland and Asda warning as products pulled from shelves

Here's King Charles' first Christmas message in full:

"I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.

"I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.

"Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

"In the much-loved carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem we sing of how 'in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light'. My mother's belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people and it is one which I share with my whole heart.

"It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them. This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.

"We see it in the selfless dedication of our Armed Forces and Emergency Services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently as we mourned the passing of our late Queen.

"We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.

"And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.

"I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organizations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.

"Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras, have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year.

"Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as our self. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light on practical examples of this community spirit.

"Some years ago, I was able to fulfil a life-long wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. There, I went down into the Chapel of the Manger and stood in silent reverence by the Silver Star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ's birth.

"It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, 'The light that has come into the world' was born.

"While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief.

"So, whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future.

"Let us therefore celebrate it together, and cherish it always. With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light."

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How to watch the King's Speech 2022 this Christmas

Here's where you can watch the King's Speech

Planning to watch the King's Speech this Christmas? Here's where you'll find it. 

King Charles III will continue a longstanding tradition as the new head of state by delivering his first festive address in 2022, a speech that will be historic for a number of reasons. 

It will be the first Christmas address from a male monarch since King George VI's final radio message in 1951. It will also be the first Christmas Speech from a male British monarch to be broadcast on TV, as the first fully-televised broadcast was held in 1957, during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. 

If you're planning to watch the King's Speech this Christmas, here's where you need to go to tune in. 

How to watch the King's Speech 2022 in the UK

Since the late 1990s, the BBC and ITV have shared broadcasting responsibilities for the monarch's speech, with Sky joining the lineup in 2011. This year, the King's Speech will be televised on BBC One.

King Charles' speech is scheduled for 3 pm, the same time the late Queen Elizabeth II's speeches were typically broadcast. 

This means that you'll be able to tune in either on TV or stream Charles' speech via BBC iPlayer , as long as you have a valid TV licence. And if you're trying to decide what to watch this Christmas, don't forget to check our Christmas TV Guide for all the best shows to catch throughout the festive season.

How to watch the King's Speech anywhere in the world

If you're going to be away from home but still want to watch the King's Speech this year, you might run into some problems. Thankfully, you'll be able to solve this exact issue with a Virtual Private Network (a VPN). 

A VPN lets you get around the usual digital barriers by changing your IP address, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows even if you're going to be away from where you would normally watch your favorite shows and movies. Our favorite is ExpressVPN , which is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now according to our sister site, TechRadar.

How to stream the King's Speech online

In past years, the Queen's Speech was uploaded to the official BBC and Royal Family YouTube Channels shortly after the initial broadcast on TV and Radio networks in the UK.

Since Charles' previous address to the Nation and the Commonwealth following the death of the Queen was shared in the same places, we expect his first Christmas speech will be uploaded there, too.

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King Charles’s Christmas message – text in full

Monarch reflects on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in first Christmas Day broadcast

I am standing here in this exquisite Chapel of St George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late Queen, is laid to rest with my dear father.

I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family.

Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

In the much-loved carol O Little Town Of Bethlehem we sing of how “in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light”.

My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also her faith in people and it is one which I share with my whole heart.

It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others, and to shine a light in the world around them.

This is the essence of our community and the very foundation of our society.

We see it in the selfless dedication of our armed forces and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us all safe, and who performed so magnificently as we mourned the passing of our late Queen.

We see it in our health and social care professionals, our teachers and indeed all those working in public service, whose skill and commitment are at the heart of our communities.

And at this time of great anxiety and hardship, be it for those around the world facing conflict, famine or natural disaster, or for those at home finding ways to pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm, we see it in the humanity of people throughout our nations and the Commonwealth who so readily respond to the plight of others.

I particularly want to pay tribute to all those wonderfully kind people who so generously give food or donations, or that most precious commodity of all, their time, to support those around them in greatest need, together with the many charitable organisations which do such extraordinary work in the most difficult circumstances.

Our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras, have once again united in feeding the hungry, providing love and support throughout the year. Such heartfelt solidarity is the most inspiring expression of loving our neighbour as our self.

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited Wales, shining a light on practical examples of this community spirit.

Some years ago, I was able to fulfil a life-long wish to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.

There, I went down into the Chapel of the Manger and stood in silent reverence by the silver star that is inlaid on the floor and marks the place of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth.

It meant more to me than I can possibly express to stand on that spot where, as the Bible tells us, ‘the light that has come into the world’ was born.

While Christmas is, of course, a Christian celebration, the power of light overcoming darkness is celebrated across the boundaries of faith and belief.

So, whatever faith you have, or whether you have none, it is in this life-giving light, and with the true humility that lies in our service to others, that I believe we can find hope for the future.

Let us therefore celebrate it together, and cherish it always.

With all my heart, I wish each of you a Christmas of peace, happiness and everlasting light.

• King Charles III

Most viewed

King Charles: I will serve Commonwealth to the best of my ability after cancer diagnosis

T he King will pledge to continue to serve the Commonwealth “to the best of my ability” following his diagnosis with cancer , saying his faith in its potential “remains as sure and strong as it has ever been”.

In his first major speech since he began receiving medical treatment, the King will say he has been “most deeply touched” by the “wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes” sent by the public.

The video message will be broadcast on Commonwealth Day, as the Queen leads the Royal family for the annual service at Westminster Abbey.

The King, who recorded the message at Windsor Castle last month, will speak on the topic of “resilience”, to say that the Commonwealth must “find ways of healing” and “pursue solutions” to the “inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day”.

Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the organisation on Monday, the King will say: “Having recently celebrated my seventy-fifth birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life – a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride.

“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.

“My belief in our shared endeavours and the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been.

“I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”

The King is currently continuing his state duties from home, having received medical advice to temporarily step back from public engagements while he receives treatment for cancer.

His family, including the Prince of Wales, will attend the Westminster Abbey service in person. The Princess of Wales remains at home recovering from abdominal surgery .

The Duke of York will miss the occasion, as he is no longer a working member of the family. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh , Princess Royal, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Duke of Kent are due to attend.

The King will hail the diversity of the Commonwealth, saying it is “our greatest strength” in the face of serious challenges including “climate change, the loss of nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing”.

“All of this means that we must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day,” he will say.

“We must find ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions.

“I cannot say often enough that it is by coming together that we create the best chances to improve our world and the lives of people everywhere.”

Recent years have seen the Commonwealth beset by criticism over colonial-era injustices, and claims for reparations, including for slavery.

“The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected, through friendship,” the King will say.

“As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.

“Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time.”

The theme for the 2024 service is One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth.

The television message was filmed in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle in February after the King became aware that he would not be able to attend the event in person.

The Commonwealth Day service has become a fixture of the Royal family calendar in recent years and was dear to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s heart .

Last year, the King delivered his first annual address as Head of the Commonwealth from the pulpit. The late Queen preferred to issue her message in writing.

The film will see him address his audience from a desk, alongside an oak sapling grown from an acorn collected on the Home Park Windsor Estate during his Coronation year.

On the desk is a silver inkstand and a clock, which was a wedding gift to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The Westminster Abbey service will see the Prince of Wales’s Earthshot Prize play a central role, with its environmental focus and message of “urgent optimism” considered in line with key Commonwealth goals.

A reflection will be delivered by Lise Honsinger, chief revenue officer of sustainable packaging firm Notpla, which won the Earthshot Prize in 2022.

A spokesman for the Royal Commonwealth Society, which organises the programme for the service, said it worked closely with the Earthshot Prize.

“The palace was very supportive,” he said. “Plastic is a key focus of ours.”

The congregation of 2,000 at the Abbey will include Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth secretary-general, the president of Malta, foreign ministers, high commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth, faith leaders, and school children and young people from throughout the UK.

Writer Sir Ben Okri will read a poem commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth and there will be musical performances from singer Calum Scott and dance troupe The Ghetto Kids.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

King Charles thanks Commonwealth for 'thoughtful good wishes' amid cancer recovery

King Charles III is expressing his gratitude to the people of the Commonwealth for both their achievements and their support as he undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer .

The United Kingdom's annual Commonwealth Day celebrates the connection, however under threat, between the monarchy and the various nations it remains linked to, such as Australia, India and several Caribbean islands and African countries.

To commemorate the day, Charles released a videotaped speech on Monday, which was recorded last month in Windsor Castle.

"In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth," he said. "My belief in our shared endeavors and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey."

The 2024 theme of Commonwealth is "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth," according to Buckingham Palace.

"The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949," Charles said at the start of his speech.

The monarch said the Commonwealth remains strong "through friendship," adding, "the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time."

Charles praised the "diversity" of the Commonwealth as its "greatest strength" because it brings "different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations."

"Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face – whether it be climate change, the loss of nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing," he continued. "All of this means that we must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day."

The British leader added: "We must find ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions."

Charles concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of the youth "who make up two-thirds of the entire Commonwealth population."

"Whether in Kenya or Malaysia, Vanuatu or Dominica, Malta, or Canada, I never cease to be impressed by their creativity, innovative skills and hard work, often in the most challenging circumstances," he said.

Prince William, Queen Camilla to co-host Commonwealth Day amid King Charles' absence

Charles is notably absent from making a physical appearance during Commonwealth Day.

Prince William, Camilla are taking lead amid King Charles' absence. Is it sustainable?

On March 3, Buckingham Palace announced that Camilla and William will helm responsibilities for the day at Westminster Abbey alongside other royals.

Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Queen Elizabeth II's cousins Prince Richard and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, are among the working royals to be in attendance.

The public will be paying extra attention to how the family is coping and will be a key indicator if Britons still have faith in the monarchy.

"There will be increased scrutiny of the royal family at the Commonwealth Day service as this is an occasion that brings the working members of the royal family together," Carolyn Harris, co-editor of "English Consorts: Power, Influence and Dynasty" and a professor at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, previously told USA TODAY.

Contributing: Jay Stahl and Marco della Cava, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

Related: Why King Charles has been 'reduced to tears' following cancer diagnosis

King vows to serve 'to the best of my ability' in Commonwealth Day video address

In a photograph, taken at the time of the recording in February, the King is seen sitting in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. His eyes appear a little bloodshot.

Royal correspondent @SkyRhiannon

Monday 11 March 2024 01:19, UK

The King has pledged to continue to serve "to the best of my ability" in his first video message since his cancer diagnosis.

The message has been recorded to mark Commonwealth Day and will be played at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey later.

Speaking in his role as head of the Commonwealth, the King stressed his determination to keep going despite his ill health, saying: "In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth...

"My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey."

In a photograph, taken at the time of the recording in late February, the King is seen sitting in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. His eyes appear a little bloodshot and there is redness around his mouth.

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His cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment would make a slight change in his appearance understandable. Palace sources continue to insist he is in good spirits and determined to carry out as much work as possible behind the scenes, while doctors urge him not to carry out public duties.

It means he won't be able to attend the Commonwealth Day Service in person. Last year was his first as monarch and head of the Commonwealth. Instead the Queen will step in for him this year, with the Prince of Wales also attending.

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They will be accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

The annual celebration of the Commonwealth will draw on the theme of resilience, at a time when the Royal Family has faced increased scrutiny and speculation because of health troubles.

The King will stress in his address how unity was essential for the family of nations, saying: "I cannot say often enough that it is by coming together that we create the best chances to improve our world and the lives of people everywhere."

Marking 75 years since the establishment of the Commonwealth, the King also appears to allude to historical matters that continue to cause protests, including calls for him to apologise for the horrors of slavery .

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In his message he says, "we must work together to understand each other's perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day. We must find ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions".

Among the 2,000 guests will be Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland, the president of Malta, foreign ministers, high commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth, faith leaders and schoolchildren and young people from throughout the UK.

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King Charles Vows to Serve 'to the Best of My Ability' in New Video Address amid Cancer Treatment

The King recorded a message for the annual church service thanking people for their good wishes during his cancer

Royal Household

King Charles is thanking people across the world for their good wishes amid his cancer treatment.

The King, 75, recorded a special message as representatives from 56 nations gather in London on the eve of Commonwealth Day.

"I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth,” King Charles says.

The address will be played at the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday. It is the 75 th anniversary of the Commonwealth – the family of nations, most of which were linked to the U.K. through the British empire. As well as the U.K., Charles is King of 14 of the nations, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The monarch, who is undergoing  cancer treatment and has canceled most public duties, will be represented at the service on Monday by his wife,  Queen Camilla , while Prince William and other members of the royal family will also be there.

Unlike last year,  Kate Middleton  won’t be part of the contingent. The Princess of Wales, 42, continues her private recovery following  abdominal surgery  in January, and Kensington Palace said she was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”

Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images

The event will celebrate the global network of 56 countries with the 2024 theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth," and 2,000 guests are expected to attend. 

In his address, which will be played at the service on Monday, King Charles makes the link with his own lifetime, as he is as old as the institution.

"It warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life – a precious source of strength, inspiration and pride," he says.

Urging people to “work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day,” he adds that “our diversity is our greatest strength.”

King Charles says in his address, “The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings. Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face — whether it be climate change, the loss of nature or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing.”

JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty

“Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways," he says. "Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us.”

The monarch reflects on the different journeys the more than 50 nations have taken since the beginning of the Commonwealth in 1949. "Last year, The Bahamas celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence, as Grenada has this year, and Papua New Guinea will next year. Each of these milestones — and many others like them — represent the fulfillment of countless aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential.”

“And the Commonwealth’s growth, with new members continuing to join our family of nations, demonstrates clearly that whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common ambitions for a better future – working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges," he says.

The King adds, "The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected, through friendship. As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level."

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

King Charles’ virtual participation in the Commonwealth Day Service this week aligns with the latest guidance around his health. On Feb. 5, Buckingham Palace announced that the King was  diagnosed with cancer  and was advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties while receiving treatment. The palace said the diagnosis came after a “separate issue of concern” was noted during the monarch’s treatment for  benign prostate enlargement  in January, though a spokesman confirmed it is not prostate cancer.

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Last week, King Charles held audiences at Buckingham Palace, including one with the U.K. finance chief, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, and another via video link with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

King Charles Will Miss the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service

The King won't be in attendance at Westminster Abbey today, but he recorded a speech that will be played during the service.

Though he won't be physically present in the Abbey, the King has recorded a video message to be broadcast during the Commonwealth Day Service. (He filmed the video in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle in February.)

"The seventy-fifth anniversary of The Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949," King Charles begins his message. "Last year, The Bahamas celebrated its fiftieth anniversary of Independence, as Grenada has this year, and Papua New Guinea will next year. Each of these milestones—and many others like them—represent the fulfillment of countless aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential."

Elsewhere in his message, the King spoke about the importance of diversity, and uniting to face common challenges, like climate change. "We recognize today that our diversity is our greatest strength. The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings," he says. "Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face—whether it be climate change, the loss of Nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing. Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways. Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us. All of this means that we must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day."

He ended his message by reflecting on his 75th birthday , and thanking those around the Commonwealth for well-wishes in light of his cancer diagnosis.

"Having recently celebrated my own seventy-fifth birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life – a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride," he concludes. "In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth. My belief in our shared endeavors and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey."

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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• Crime, justice and law

King's Counsel appointments ceremony 2024: Lord Chancellor speech

Lord Chancellor’s speech at the 2024 King’s Counsel appointment ceremony, recognising those who have been formally appointed to the rank of KC and Honorary KC.

It’s my very great pleasure to be here today to preside over the formal appointment of all those achieving the rank of King’s Counsel, and to welcome our next cohort of Honorary King’s Counsel. My warmest congratulations to you all. For each one of you, this is an enormous personal achievement, and this celebration is richly deserved.

We hold this ceremony in historic surroundings, the very epicentre of our democracy. Over the decades audiences have heard in this hall from statesmen and politicians such as De Gaulle, Mandela, Obama,  Aung San Suu Kyi, Zelenskyy. And now me. I hope you don’t feel too short-changed. Spare a thought for those amongst you who have had the dubious honour of being my opponent in court, or have even acted alongside me in an Oscar Wilde play as an undergraduate in the Brasenose Arts Festival.

Now it is of course no accident that we are in this particular building today. This is the location of our first ever permanent law court – the court of King’s Bench. It was later home to the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of the Chancery.

These walls have witnessed many great trials. King Charles I, William Wallace, Thomas More were all tried here, and it was in this hall that Guy Fawkes was convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. Which brings me neatly on to our latest tough on crime policy announcement… 

Now, the title of King’s Counsel has for centuries been a mark of quality, setting apart those who achieve it as the very best of our jurisdiction. The rank signifies the highest regard for legal ability, for diligence, for professionalism and for integrity. And, for our Honorary KCs, it recognises your exceptional contribution to our legal system outside of legal practice.

A word to your supporters. I’ve no doubt that your family, friends and loved ones here today are proud; but more than that, they should know they are responsible too. On top of providing emotional sustenance, I know from my own experience that the long hours, late nights, missed weddings, cancelled weekend trips will have had an impact on them as well. And yet, true to form, it’s this lot getting the glory again… But on their behalf I thank you.

Now today of course is all about exceptional individual achievement, and we should not apologise for that. And let us not forget, in celebrating it, that you are part of something much bigger. Your success is no less than our country’s success. What you’ve achieved, and will continue to achieve, contributes to this jurisdiction, to the kind of country we are, and the kind of country we aspire to be – our standards and our values.

And what you do matters for at least 3 reasons.

First, straightforwardly, your offices and chambers throughout our country are engine rooms of our prosperity. Our legal sector contributed around £34 billion to the British economy in 2022 alone, a figure that continues to grow year on year. More broadly, it underpins so much of our nation’s success, giving businesses the confidence to operate in the knowledge that there are routes to redress should something go wrong.

Second, as a driver of social mobility. Those of you who’ve contributed to the work of the Kalisher Trust for example, or who have taken on mini-pupils from all walks of life, know this sector can and does produce genuinely life-changing opportunities. For young people from modest backgrounds, where they have the talent, dedication and drive to get on, the law can turn lives around – not just for individuals but for future generations too.

And third, because it is this sector – and your quality – that does so much to strengthen our position on the world stage, and allows us exert influence when it matters. In this job I’ve travelled from Japan to the United States; and I can tell you that your abilities mean that our voice in calling for support for the international rules-based order is louder.

And on that subject, we should never overlook the part we played in for example the Hague Conventions which laid the groundwork for a new international system rooted in law and ushered in an era of international co-operation and multilateralism. Nor should we forget our founding role in the organisations that followed, including the United Nations.

Indeed, there is often a quiet diffidence about the contribution of our legal system, which is in some ways commendable; but don’t let’s forget it. As Lord Bingham said, “the British have a history in this field of which they have every reason to be immensely proud”. I agree.

So, every time one of you stays up until 2am putting the finishing touches on an opinion, every time one of you crafts that killer cross-examination, and every time one of you develops that ingenious and compelling argument which makes the court think again, you strengthen your case, you strengthen the legal system, and you strengthen our country.

Now, I’m pleased that this year, on my recommendation and with the support of the selection panel, His Majesty has granted letters patent conferring the title of King’s Counsel on 95 barristers and solicitor-advocates. There are also 5 awards this year for King’s Counsel, Honoris Causa, and I want to take a few moments now to talk about each of them.

First, Professor Anthony Arnull, a specialist in the law of the European Union, nominated for his research of EU law, in particular the role and jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Next, Michael Meyer, Head of International Law at the British Red Cross. Michael was nominated for his advice and support to government on international humanitarian law.

Next, Sir Robert Neill, who I’m proud to call a colleague and friend. Bob is an MP and the formidable and forensic Chair of the Commons Justice Select Committee. He was nominated for his role in leading that Committee, which rightly holds Government to account, as I know to my cost.

Next, Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, nominated for her work in advising the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, which has shaped policy and legal work on the protection of social and economic rights and the rule of law.

The final Honorary KC is Professor Norman Doe, nominated for reviving the study of Ecclesiastical Law in England and Wales and for his highly influential publications on the subject.

This is, of course, only the briefest reference to their contributions to the law, which go a great deal further.

But let me close by congratulating all appointees again. You are now the leaders, in more ways than one. Yours is the task to strengthen and uphold the standards and values of this great profession.

Take pride in your achievement – because your profession, and your country, take pride in you. My very best wishes for your continued success. Good luck.

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