As the festive season envelops the world, King Charles III has ushered in a notable change for a cherished royal tradition. The British monarch has chosen a historically significant new backdrop for his annual Christmas Day broadcast to the nation, moving away from the familiar settings of royal residences.
A Historic Shift in Venue for the Royal Address
Breaking from the long-established custom, the 77-year-old King recorded his 2025 Christmas message not from a palace, but from the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey in London. This marks the first time the sovereign's festive address has been filmed at this particular chapel. The broadcast, aired on television on Christmas Day afternoon, represents a conscious departure from the routine followed for generations.
Traditionally, monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, delivered the speech from residences like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, or Sandringham House. King Charles had previously begun to modernise the tradition in 2024, when he spoke from the Fitzrovia Chapel at Pearson Square, a location chosen partly due to its convenience while he was undergoing cancer treatment.
The Kate Middleton Connection and Symbolic Setting
This year's change of scenery carries a personal and poignant touch linked to the Princess of Wales. The visual backdrop of the King's speech features twinkling Christmas trees repurposed from Kate Middleton's 'Together at Christmas' carol concert. This event was staged at Westminster Abbey earlier in December, before the King's message was recorded.
Many of the trees from that service have been donated to charities, including The Passage homelessness organisation and the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton. The chosen venue itself is steeped in history. The Lady Chapel is a late medieval construction built for Henry VII and serves as the burial place for 15 kings and queens, including Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. It is also the official chapel of the Order of the Bath.
Upholding and Evolving a Cherished Tradition
While the location has changed, the core tradition remains robust. The annual Christmas broadcast was first started in 1932 by King Charles's great-grandfather, King George V. Queen Elizabeth II pioneered its televised version in 1957. Reports suggest the innovative setting and production for the 2025 speech were a collaborative effort between the BBC, which produced the broadcast, and the royal household.
This evolution under King Charles, who took the reins in 2022 following the death of his mother, reflects a monarchy adapting to contemporary times while honouring its past. The choice of Westminster Abbey, a site of immense national and royal significance, coupled with the subtle inclusion of elements from the Princess of Wales's community work, weaves together family, history, and public service into the fabric of this year's festive message.
